We all know regular exercise is critical for one’s overall health and well-being, and daily we are reminded of the importance of being physically active. As a reminder, some of the benefits of exercising are stronger muscles, reduced risk of heart attacks and improved energy levels, along with reduced insomnia, improved brain function and better moods from more endorphins circulating throughout the body.

Here are three suggestions for making exercise easier, and more enjoyable.

#1 Change your wording

For many of us the word exercise has developed a negative mental image. It has become an obligation, something one must do. It is one more activity to try and fit into our busy schedules.

To overcome this simply eliminate the word exercise and find a new label to replace the word. Two ideas, out of many, are ‘physical activity’ and ‘time to move around’.

Also, it is important to change our wording regarding exercise. Instead of groaning and saying, “I must exercise,” try saying, “I get to go enjoy this activity.” The word ‘must’ implies an obligation whereas the words ‘get to’ implies a more positive event.

#2 Select only enjoyable activities

Select only physical activities you enjoy. If you hate jogging then go bike riding or dancing.

Counting how many steps a person walks in a day is helpful, yet we need to remember the ultimate goal of any physical activity is to get our muscles moving and the blood flowing more freely. Fortunately there are many enjoyable activities to accomplish this.

One thought is to break exercise into smaller time segments throughout the day instead of only one longer time period. This is especially helpful for those who work full-time or have other commitments. It is easy to stand by one’s desk and do five to ten minutes of wall pushups, squats or a relaxing tai chi routine.

In more rural communities, a person could walk or bicycle to and from work, thus combining commute time and exercise time. Another thought is to do isometric exercises in one’s car while waiting at red traffic lights or at stop signs.

#3 Keep track and reward yourself

While it would be ideal to have an exercise partner or an accountability coach it is possible to successfully improve ones own workout program.

To make this easier, begin by deciding on a main goal and a large reward for accomplishing it. An example is a goal of exercising 30 minutes a day for five days a week, and the reward is dinner and a movie in town. Then decide on two smaller goals and rewards. Examples are to start by exercising 10 minutes a day for three days a week, and the reward is an extra latte.

Next, select a second goal, higher than the small goal but not as high as the main goal. An example might be exercising 20 minutes a day for four days a week with a reward of a new book or a new shirt.

Tracking does not need to be time consuming or tedious. A brief notation in a datebook or a star drawn on a calendar should suffice.

Regardless of which physical activities you select, we wish you great success as you journey forward in improving your health. Email us your thoughts and successes. I personally answer all emails. Info@WellnessWithAge.com

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Crystal Linn is a multi-published author and an award-winning poet. When not writing, or teaching workshops, she enjoys reading a good mystery, hiking, and sailing with friends and family. See WellnessWithAge.com.