By Donna Moodie, RD CDN CDE
Do you hate to do exercises like using a treadmill or doing a strenuous workout at a gym? Do you resent the idea of having to pay to exercise by joining a gym or hiring an expensive personal trainer? Is your doctor trying to encourage you to engage in regular exercise but you just don’t know where to start? When you change the word “exercise” in your mind to “physical activity” or just make a goal to get your body moving more, a whole world of opportunity can open up.
Summer is a great time to move more by going outside, connecting with nature, and having some fun! Children don’t have thoughts like, “I have to exercise.” Their primary purpose is to have fun. Try to rekindle your sense of wonder and have some fun this summer. At the same time, you can possibly control your blood sugar a little better, reduce stress, improve your health and maybe even lose some weight. But remember, before you increase your physical activity level, always check with your doctor to see if the activity is appropriate for you. Also, watch out for hypoglycemia if you are taking diabetes medicine or insulin. The American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org) website has information on how to treat and prevent hypoglycemia.
Here are 12 ways you can increase your level of physical activity and have fun at the same time:
- Create a garden or do some yard work such as pruning or cutting the lawn.
- Take your kids or grandkids to the park and fly a kite or play tag with them.
- Walk to and from stores or the post office instead of driving. You can do your errands and save money on gas too!
- Sweep the deck, sidewalk or patio.
- Go to the beach or local pool and swim. Don’t forget to bring a healthy snack or lunch and lots of water.
- Walk you dog or offer to walk your neighbor’s dog. They (the dogs) will show their appreciation with lots of wags and licks.
- Ride a bicycle. Don’t forget to wear a helmet.
- Sign up for nature walks or bird watching tours.
- Rent a canoe or a row boat.
- Go to your local high school with a friend or family member and hit a tennis ball back and forth. You don’t need rules and the courts are empty in the summer.
- Go for a walk on the beach or boardwalk, build a sand castle, or collect some shells.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. If you give it some thought, I bet you will come up with many other ideas. Enjoy the summer and be healthy!
Donna Moodie is a Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program.