Find Out What's Keeping You from a "Shape Up" Activity

BOZEMAN --Why aren't we more active? What keeps us from realizing our good intentions? Certainly, not having time is a major problem. We hear many ideas about how to add movement, activity, or (dare we say it?) exercise to our day, but somehow those good ideas and intentions rarely seem to materialize.

Generations ago, people's daily routine required a lot of physical activity. Now, you don't even have to return the typewriter carriage anymore! Technology has eliminated a lot of work from our lives, so we now have to find time to be active.

Finding time for activity competes with time need for our jobs, family, friends, shopping and all the other daily demands.

Another factor limiting our activity is that many of us feel tired after a day that had little physical activity. Feeling tired actually is a symptom of inactivity as well as a reason for it.

Please believe this: A 20 minute brisk walk will revive both your energy and enthusiasm for the remainder of the day. It's hard to believe until you do it. And a walk takes the edge off of the day's stress and frustration, while inactivity may keep you groggy all evening.

To figure out what keeps you from activity, look at what factors entice you to be active.

Activity needs to enjoyable, convenient and affordable. Often we purchase the latest home exercise machine for convenience, but find out after a week that it is far from fun. A very enjoyable exercise like dancing, biking or swimming may not seem feasible in your busy schedule, but perhaps it would be enough fun to draw you back to it. The challenge is finding several things you enjoy doing and making them as easy and affordable as possible.

What makes an activity enjoyable for you? Is it being with friends or a chance for some quiet time? Is it a time when you can turn your brain "off" or a time to challenge your skills?

In general, starting an activity with someone else, or in a class or team, can help provide the motivation needed to get you through that tricky time between starting a new habit and considering it a regular part of your day. Do you enjoy relaxation or a challenge? Your answer is often based on what the rest of what your day is like. A high-paced schedule may call for a lower key activity where someone else guides the choices. A low-key job or schedule may make you ready for self-directed and challenging activity or competition.

Picking a convenient time and place for your activity can add to your enjoyment. There is nothing better than a walk outdoors when you have been in your office eight hours straight. Do you prefer exercising in the morning or evening? Some people like to be active to "wake themselves up," while others prefer an activity right after work to reduce their stress and burn calories. Others like an evening volleyball or basket ball game for a chance to meet friends and get out of the house.

Keeping activity affordable may mean juggling the cost of aerobics classes or home exercise equipment. However, many people choose "free" activities such as walking. Borrowing or trading exercise videos or even equipment from family and friends is a good way to try out an activity before making a major purchase. Even negotiate a "trial period" when bargaining for a used piece of equipment from the Sunday ads or second-hand stores. See if the equipment will work for you.

One last barrier to regular activity is the absence of a good plan. Like changing any habit, a plan is essential for success. The more thought and detailed in your plan, the more successful you will be in starting and maintaining an activity.

A good plan will answer these questions. However, a back-up plan is also very important.

What do you do when you can't follow "Plan A?" Many times your original plan will be preempted. You may have planned a 20 minute walk during your lunch hour, but your boss's emergency request ends that idea or your child has to be picked up at school. What now? Promise yourself a brisk 10-15 minute walk once the "emergency" is over or while on an afternoon break. Then park your car farther than usual from the store on your way home from work. It all adds up.

Paul is a registered dietitian with a doctorate in Adult Learning and Education. She can be reached at MSU in the Department of Health and Human Development, (406) 994-5702.

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