How to make exercise fun to do?

January 19, 5:09 PMPhiladelphia Health ExaminerThomas Hartmann

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We have all been told by our doctors to exercise. Diet, exercise, and mindset have been scientifically proven to be keys to a longer and happier existence. But let’s face it – the fitness club is a ways down the road and jogging, that portable pedestrian sport, is really hard on the knees and ankles.

Unless you’re retired, a sports enthusiast, or an early riser with a pool nearby, you’ve got to get creative about how to get those “cardio”s, or aerobic 30 minutes in, to say nothing of that muscle- and bone- building anaerobic exercise. Any physical therapist can tell you where you need it most and how to do the exercise. But how to motivate yourself?

Here are a few practical suggestions for those who were never jocks in school and see their first heart operation or hip replacement looming down the fast downhill track between 40 and 60, to say nothing of between 60 to 80. By the way, don’t kid yourself, there’s no way back from that operation. Let’s not even go there.

You’ve gone through your third set of exercise equipment, it’s sitting in the garage, and maybe you’re even thinking of selling some of it on Ebay in these hard economic times because you just can’t motivate yourself. Bad move. Here are some practical ideas:

For brainy types: do a language tape while using the Nordic Trak ®, cycling or rowing machine, or treadmill. Pimsleur language tapes are particularly good because they break language learning into incremental 30 minute segments. You’ll be fluent before you know it, and you’ll be pushing yourself every day to complete the lesson, particularly if you have foreign friends.

For artistic types: try singing karaoke to a 30-minute CD. If you’re worried about somebody listening, ask your neighbors and find a time when they’re not home. Don’t worry about your spouse – she’ll be far happier you’re doing it in the first place. You’ll also be pleased to notice that you sing much better while you’re doing it.

For the less creative, one could always rent old TV shows. These days it’s possible to put a VCR or DVD unit in any room of the house,

Upcoming: more tips on how to keep you healthy and happy through exercise