Remember when you were little and you "exercised" because it was fun? You never thought about how many calories you were burning in ballet class or how high you were getting your heart rate in the heat of a soccer game. That was never the point.
Now that you're out of grade school, exercise means something different. It's that thing you squeeze in after work or before dinner, feel guilty about skipping and therefore adding even more stress to your life. Somehow, the elliptical trainer or the treadmill doesn't inspire the anticipation and joy that the swimming pool once did.
So how do you reconnect with that long-lost sense of play? Going back to the activities you love. Just because you're an adult doesn't mean you can't do the things you enjoyed as a kid. After all, studies show that if you love the physical activity you're doing, you're likely to do it more often and for a longer period of time than if you don't. That's why I recommend getting in touch with your younger, fitter self as a way to recharge and reenergize yourself; I call it "Reaching for the Fit Kid Within". I ask people what they enjoyed during their childhood, early teen years and high school. Then I ask them if they would consider doing that again.
Starting with a 5 minutes meditation that would facilitate the connection between mind, body and soul, allowing yourself to reach within and accept the playful kid that you are.
Follow with 30 minutes high energy, fun drills and exercises that you use to enjoy when you were a kid. You can even involve your kids; they'll guide you, allow to be yourself, and allow them be the kids they are. I personally play soccer or simply chase my kids around the backyard. There is no limit to what we can actually do.
Finishing with a 5 minutes stretching program and cooling down with a 5 minutes relaxation techniques to come back to our adult world.
This article or post is not intended to provide individual advice, which should be obtained directly from your health care professional
Avtar, formerly known as Nordine Zouareg, is highly regarded as an internationally acclaimed speaker, motivational coach and #1 Best Selling Author in the field of mind-body health, spirituality and personal empowerment. Avtar has almost three decades of experience traveling the globe and working directly with clients to identify and change the negative patterns that are preventing them from attaining optimum health and wellness. His impressive collection of international titles, awards and recognition are a direct reflection of his ability to overcome immense personal struggles and emerge with great success.
In addition to his deep understanding of how the mind works to influence the body and his beliefs in the benefits of balancing the body, mind and spirit, Nordine is the author of the bestselling book, MIND OVER BODY: The Key To Lasting Weight Loss Is All In Your Head! He also holds a Master's Degree in Physical Education, several International Coaching Certifications, and he speaks five languages. Avtar's personal passions are his two children, his spirituality, exercise, reading, cooking, travel, and helping people around the world understand how to incorporate the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of being to create a successfully balanced and fulfilling life.