Okay, we all know that we should exercise but what is it that gives us that extreme sense of lack of motivation? Interesting question this one isn’t it. I guess we are all rather prone to prefer to kick off the shoes, grab a cuppa and sit down in front of the TV / computer instead of grabbing out the joggers and pounding the footpath or running around a tennis court.
However, if you start to get into sports you will realise how much of a difference it can make to your whole well being. You will start to feel more enthusiastic and alive and this will flow across into other areas of your life. Your overall attitude to a multitude of things will be lifted up to new levels.
Being active also gives you additional benefits such as keeping your body healthy (saves on medical bills and doctors visits) and giving you something to do (saves you spending money on expensive forms of entertainment). Get into sports today by dusting off the joggers, digging out your swimming costume, grabbing a tennis racket or cleaning off your golf clubs. Participating in a sporting activity can not only keep you fit and healthy but provide you with hours of entertainment for generally a small fee.
Here are some clues to get you started:
1. Choose what sorts of sports you might be interested in
Jogging / Running / Aerobics Tennis / Squash / Badminton Football / Rugby / Soccer Basketball / Netball / Softball Cricket / Hockey / Croquet Lawn Bowling / Ten Pin Bowling Dancing Cycling Swimming / Diving / Aqua aerobics Golf Horse Riding / Polo Canoeing / Kayaking / Rowing Yoga / Pilates / Tai Chi / Gymnastics Track and Field Rock Climbing / Abseiling Boxing / Martial Arts Fencing / Archery Weight lifting / Wrestling Skateboarding / Rollerblading Skiing / Snowboarding
2. Think about who might be able to join you (often if you are committed to go somewhere with someone else you are more likely to do this activity than if you have to go alone)
Family member Work Colleague Friend Neighbour Business associate Member of a club / group / church you are in
3. Check out your local area to see what sports clubs / associations are located in your area that offer your chosen sport?
Surf the internet Visit your gymnasium Read the local paper Ask your local school Check the advertising outside your local hall Ask at your local sports centre / youth club Check with your council Visit your local community centre
4. Decide where can you participate in your chosen sport
park cycle track running paths velodrome sports field council pool gymnasium bowls club local hall sports centre dance studio local school ski fields skating rink bowling alley squash / tennis courts home friends / neighbours home work
5. Establish the costs for your chosen sport
Membership / club fees Participation / entry fees Sports equipment (purchase / hire) Sports uniforms / shoes (purchase / hire) Travel costs Food / drinks whilst undertaking chosen sport
6. Consider organising a group
Get your work colleagues to accompany you on a walk / jog around the block at lunch time Tee up your neighbours to all go for a walk / jog two or three afternoons / mornings a week Advertise at your local gym / school / sports centre to set up your own running / cycling / walking / swimming group where you meet at a set location and all head off together for 30 mins / 1 hr Look at the groups you currently belong to and can you add value to any of these groups by setting up a running / cycling / walking / swimming group as an offshoot Talk to your local council / community centre / sports centre for assistance and promotion in kick starting a new group off in your area
7. Get out there and give it a go
Don’t procrastinate – start working on this today Set up a routine for your sports activities Commit to your routine by marking time in your diary / calendar Consider hiring equipment instead of buying the equipment at the start, just in case it doesn’t work out for you Set money aside in your budget to cover the costs for your chosen sport Set a goal around your sport as this can keep you motivated to keep going e.g. Build up to a certain speed with cycling / rowing Swim a certain number of laps of the pool Jog for a certain period of time Learn a new dance routine regularly Score a certain score Touch your toes, do a back bend, do the splits
If you haven’t done much exercise lately, just ease into it gently – one step at a time
Detective Heather Wood is Managing Director and writer for Money Detective Pty Ltd.
Money Detective can help you with all of your money troubles. From our website full of factual information and articles, to our one on one personal money coaching, Money Detective can help you with all aspects of money management. Sign up for our Newsletter today and get yourself 6 free Money Clues http://www.moneydetective.com.au.
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© Money Detective Pty Ltd 2009
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_A_Wood
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