Hi <>, getting a little lax with your exercising? Maybe it's time for you to 'Get Back In The Game'.

Get Back In The Game!

When busy times come around, what's the first thing that usually gets 'undone'?

For many of us, it's the same old thing - no exercise! All the good stuff we did to feel better in the first place!

We make whatever excuse we can, because we can't seem to take time to do the very thing that gives us good health and energy in the first place. We delude ourselves into thinking that no one - not even ourselves - will ever know if we let a day or two slip by without some form of exercise.

And sure enough, after we stop counting the days that slip by we start noticing things - bulges and loose muscles where we once had tight firm ones before. Hmm. Wonder how those got there?

Well, before we beat ourselves up too badly, let's take a close, hard look at what we can do. We need to start somewhere, and surprisingly it is a lot easier and more fun than you might think.

Here's one example.

Recently, the province of Saskatchewan in Canada asked all of their people to "Join the Movement" of physical activity. They suggested people incorporate physical activity into their daily lives by trying some easy ways to get active. It was a great success.

Things that allow them to accumulate 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days and targeting some activity for every day.

Why not give this "get in motion" thing a try? There's nothing to lose - other than those bulges and loose muscles - and maybe a whole lot to gain.

Here's how you can do it.

Think of your most favourite 25 activities. (If you're at all like us it might be a good idea to write them down :-) )

Which of those will let you get that 30-60 minutes of activity a day and enjoy doing it? Which ones will help you put some 'good motion' back into your life?

Here are some fun suggestions to help get you going.

• walk your dog and invite your family and friends to join you.
• dance to your favourite music 10 minutes a day - with or without a partner.
• trade in your power mower for a push mower.
• join a fitness club.
• strike out inactivity by bowling
• make housework fun. Dust and vacuum to your favourite tunes and throw in a dance step or two along the way.
• replace your coffee break with walking breaks.
• support your community and help build a new structure at your neighbourhood playground, a Habitat for Humanity home or simply participate in a local fundraising walk or run.
• consider activities like table tennis, volleyball, badminton or softball.
• do a walking tour of art galleries, museums or libraries.
• take out the trash every day and make it a habit.
• celebrate your cultural heritage by learning a traditional dance.
• cooking helps to strengthen your hands by cutting, chopping, kneading and mixing.
• ride a bike or walk whenever you can.
• use the stairs rather than the elevator or walk that extra 3-4 blocks.