Let's Get Moving!

The weather is starting to warm up -- what a great time to go outside and get some exercise! But, we all know how hard that can be to start. Consider trying one of these motivators, and make exercise fun!

• Take your dog for a walk
  It's good for you, and for your furry friend. And while you can say "I'm feeling too tired to go for a walk", your dog never will. No matter how tired you are, it's hard to deny that eagerly wagging tail and happy face! A great book to help you out is Fitness unleashed! : a dog and owner's guide to losing weight and gaining health together, by Marty Becker and Robert Kushner.
  


• Enlist an "exercise buddy"
  Did you sign up for a gym membership as a New Year's resolution, but have yet to use it? Bring along a friend! Studies show that people are much more likely to stick to an exercise plan if they have a partner -- a friend gives you someone to socialize with while working out, someone with whom to compare fitness goals and progress, and a great motivator to just get up and out the door. And you don't have to go to the gym -- just taking a walk with a friend is great exercise!
  


• Mix it up
  Exercise doesn't have to be boring. Play tag with your kids, turn on some music you like and dance around, rent an exercise DVD at the library and learn to belly dance or salsa. Anything that gets your heart pumping or makes you use your muscles is exercise, and you'll be more willing to commit to some physical activity if you know you won't be doing the same thing every day.


• Give yourself a distraction
  Pop in a DVD of your favorite sitcom or movie, or find something engrossing or funny to watch on TV while you're riding on an exercise bike or running or walking on the treadmill. You'll be surprised how fast the time goes by!
  

Every little bit helps, so get up and move!