Guest Contributor – Dr Peter J.Weiss MD
I exercise alone. I like it that way. Sometimes my wife works out at the same time as I do, but we don’t talk while we’re sweating. She’s does her thing and I do mine. Maybe you’re different. Maybe for you exercise is easier and more enjoyable if it’s more than just exercise, if you make it an event with friends.
So how do you do that? Traditional team sports, such as basketball or soccer, are one way, but coordinating that many participants and securing playing areas are not easy. And, most adults would have difficulty adjusting their schedules to play regularly.
Running in pairs or small groups is an excellent choice. You don’t need much equipment or a special area, and it can be arranged on short notice. Walking might be even better, because you can walk and talk at the same time. Shared conversation really makes it more social and less “work.” Have you considered forming or joining a running or walking group? Think about it.
How about more unusual ways to make exercise social? I recently ran across two women with interesting stories to tell about their workout regimens.
One works out with her sister on a regularly scheduled basis. The interesting part is that her sister lives in another town. This is how it works. They each purchased a Wii Fit and cordless telephone headsets. They program the workout, call each other and begin the conversation – and the exercise. They get a workout in and develop a closer relationship at the same time.
The other works in an office building. She gave up running because of joint discomfort and started swimming. She wanted to swim weekdays on a long lunch break at a pool near her office. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough time to dry her hair and redo her makeup before she was expected back at work for the afternoon. Then she hit on the idea taking it easy and using a pool “noodle” under her arms to keep her head out of the water. This solved the hair and makeup issue, and she found a friend to match her pace and they talk for the entire swim session. They both love it.
These are great ideas! I’m very impressed with how these two figured out good plans for themselves and made it fun. I’m sure there are more people out there with unique ways to make exercise a social event. What have you heard of that we should know about? What ideas do you have?
Peter J. Weiss, MD, President of the More Health Less Care Alliance, is passionate for helping others to health and wellness. Author of More Health Less Care, “Dr. Pete” has recognized that traditional medical care isn’t helping many people to become well and, in fact, is a major part of the problem. Visit Dr. Pete on the web at http://www.drpeterjweiss.com/ and join the Alliance at http://www.mhlca.com/.
Medical Doctor, author, speaker, media presenter and health industry consultant, Dr Joe Kosterich wants you to be healthy and get the most out of life.
Joe writes for numerous medical and mainstream publications, is clinical editor at Medical Forum Magazine, and is also a regular on radio and television.
Joe is Medical Advisor to Medicinal Cannabis Company Little Green Pharma, Chairman of Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association and sits on the board of Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA. He is often called to give opinions in medico legal cases.
He has self-published two books: Dr Joe’s DIY Health and 60 Minutes To Better Health.
In 2024 due to public demand he commenced a podcast, Dr Joe Unplugged, which can be accessed via Spotify, Apple or YouTube.
Through all this he continues to see patients as a GP each week.
