After weeks of living the Christmas-season high life, it’s like we’re looking for atonement for some sin. Too much alcohol, food, partying, staying up late, getting up early, getting grouchy, or fed up with the family/friends we’re so eager to see (and equally eager to leave at the end of it all).

Once all that is done we go in search of a makeover (like some magical geni in a bottle and, hey presto, our biggest wishes – to be fit and lose weight – are granted) .

These resolutions are often a short-lived – barely making it past the dying embers of a golden summer. The initial rush of starting something new is quickly replaced by the mundanity of “maintenance”. Interest in going to the gym is lost when you’d rather be on the couch after a long day. Eating five portions of vegetables a day is tiresome when you’d rather be eating cake.  It’s all too boring. 

The revolving door of messages about eating better, exercising more, moving in time sound like nails down a blackboard.  Yes, there’s plenty of ways I could move ... I just don’t want to. And then I have to explain why.  The excuses just trip off the tongue (nevermind that there are options).

I hate the gym. (Councils are putting in fitness stations around scenic running/walking areas like lakes and bush paths.)

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I’d rather be outside. (Free fitness classes are being held in parks this summer, from salsa to yoga, paddling to pools.) 

It’s too hot. (The early morning hours around dawn are beautiful to be out and about. You’ll find lots of people walking themselves and their pets in the cool morning air.)

I’m too embarassed. (This is a biggie. The intimdation by the “gym junkies” can stop people cold. Grab a friend and start something (anything) together. That way you’ve got somebody to egg you on when you’re flagging.)

I don’t have the time. (One of the biggest rules of saving money is to pay yourself first. That also applies to exericise. If you book in the time you’ll more than likely go.)

At the end of the day a lot of people just don’t like exercise.  A friend once told me she wished exercise was more like games – the kind you played as kids. Outside, running until day’s end, collapsing in an exhausted but happy heap. 

If you’re looking to get fit this new year – but don’t like exercise –  tap your your inner child. Jump on your bike (or skateboard), go for a swim, strap on some skates, have a water fight. Recapture the joy of being active – without the pressure. 

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