6 Fun Ways To Exercise

By Marlo Sollitto, AgingCare.com contributing editor

When you’re caring for someone else, it seems there aren’t enough hours of the day to get everything done. Of all the things you want to do in your “spare time,” exercise might be the last activity on your list. Yet out of all the activities you could do, exercise may be the most beneficial because it can keep you from getting sick, help you sleep better, and increase energy throughout the day.

But if it feels like one more chore or routine that you don’t look forward to, you are less likely to follow through on your good intentions. The good news is, you don’t have to work out at the gym 5 days a week to get in shape. Although all exercise takes some effort, it doesn’t always have to feel like work. So find some help watching mom or dad for a few hours a week, and take care of yourself.

Where to Find Respite Care for Caregivers

Here are 6 ideas for ways to help make exercise feel more like fun, and less like work:

1) Enlist a friend

Find someone to be your exercise buddy. Don’t choose just anyone: Pick someone who is full of energy, fun and who you look forward to spending time with. That way, you’ll want to exercise just to be with your friend. Look for someone who’s more committed than you, so they can keep you motivated.

2) Group Fitness

Group classes are a way to meet new people, and be motivated to go each time. Local Parks and Recreation departments or Community Centers offer low-cost group exercise programs, such as yoga, tai chi, step aerobics and water exercise classes. They are a great way to improve flexibility, muscle tone and relaxation.

6 Fun Activities That Count As Exercise originally appeared on AgingCare.com

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Malina M.

8:51PM PST on Nov 7, 2011

Thanks for this best post!!
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Natalie D.

11:50AM PST on Nov 7, 2011

I excecise with a buddy and it seems to work for me.

Whitney R.

11:38AM PDT on Nov 3, 2011

zumba is fun!

Elexis S.

5:14PM PDT on Oct 27, 2011

lol yes kids they always keep you on your feet

Marja E.

8:15AM PDT on Oct 26, 2011

After caring for my dad with Alzheimer's for years (no self care and little sleep), and then his passing, I stumbled into a Zumba class. I loved it so much I started exercising almost every day -- not just Zumba, but also Pilates and yoga and the cardio room. Zumba became the spark that lit up my life again. It literally saved me from grief, depression, and poor physical health. Next thing I knew I even became a Zumba instructor! You can find a class just about anywhere. Maybe you'll love it too.

Elisabeth T.

4:54PM PDT on Oct 25, 2011

Exercise is always fun if I bring along a buddy..

Leah C.

1:11PM PDT on Oct 25, 2011

Good advice! I could use the extra motivation.

Annemarie W.

10:35AM PDT on Oct 20, 2011

thanks

Bob P.

9:05AM PDT on Oct 20, 2011

Anastasia Z.