Making Physical Activity Fun

Did you enjoy physical education when you were in school? I hated PE. Yes, that's right: I was the kid who forgot their tennis shoes, had a stomachache or a headache, etc., etc. Happily, outside of school I had opportunities for activity, and the physical activities I enjoy -- running, walking, skating, tennis, and dancing -- were easy to work into my life, both then and now.

I've been reminiscing about PE, though, because I'm rereading Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's excellent book "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience," in which he devotes an entire chapter to flow and the body. In short, his perspective is that flow is easily achievable through  physical activity.

That got me thinking: One of the common concerns students and clients present is "How can I get more motivated to exercise?" I still remember being tossed out on the basketball court in middle school, with absolutely no orientation to even the basic skills and rules of the sport. It was miserable! Csikszentmihalyi wouldn't be surprised, as he describes "variety, appropriate and flexible challenges, clear goals, and  immediate feedback" as essentials of the flow experience (page 152).

But typically, when I work with clients and students who don't enjoy physical activity, it's because they're missing a critical element of flow: a sense that the activity they're doing is intrinsically rewarding. Many people equate physical activity with only one positive thing: weight loss. Unfortunately, physical activity does not equal immediate weight loss. If you're exercising only to lose weight, it's easy to get discouraged.

So, if you're using every evasive maneuver in the books to get out of exercise, like I did back in middle school in order to get out of PE, I'm challenging you to answer this question: What did you enjoy doing as a kid? Did you love to climb trees? Roller skate? Play games like hide-and-seek or tag? Dance? Play competitive sports? Write them all down!

Once you've made a list of ways you used to enjoy moving, look at each item. How can you bring some of that into your life now? Be creative, and don't worry about whether you'll burn enough calories, get enough strength training, or work every body part. Just look for ways to have fun while you're moving your body through space. If you're competitive, taking a class, setting a goal for 10,000 steps a day, or running a 5K or 10K might inspire you. If you just wanna have fun, turn on music and dance, take the kids to the pool and play "Marco Polo," shoot hoops, throw around the football, or take the dog for an extra walk. Treat yourself to an indoor climbing session, hit the pool, or play tennis in the Wii. All that's necessary is that you're moving your body through space...and enjoying it, in whatever way works for you.

I'm spending more time in the pool with the kids this summer, and we're racing each other as we walk laps in the water. I have no idea how many calories I'm burning, but we're having fun -- and it's definitely physically demanding! What physical activity can you add into your week, so you'll be having fun while moving your body through space? Share your ideas with us!