We all know that healthy living includes not just eating right, but exercising too. And many of us try to cajole, bribe and browbeat ourselves [and sometimes, our loved ones] into “burning more calories than we consume.” This sensible balance is an easy concept to grasp, but not always so easy to live up to.
But what if we could make doing the right thing fun? Would we do it then? That’s the question The Fun Theory has set out to answer in a number of ways. In this charming video, you’ll see how they tested whether fun could motivate people to exercise a little more.
How do you motivate yourself to get more exercise? Do you have a secret for making it fun? Leave a comment and let us in on the secret.
The Fun Theory, an initiative of Volkswagen, “is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behavior for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better.” And they’re looking for more fun ideas. To see some ideas they’ve already come up with—and to enter their contest with your own idea—visit The Fun Theory website.
I’ve seen this, it really is good, and so true!
So fun, this video. (wait, that sounded like Yoda, sorry!) I actually go to an exercise class called NIA. I swear to you that it is fun. I am so sad if I cannot get to it at least twice a week. It is the only thing I have stuck with, for about 10 years now! The music is amazing, things you have never heard before. It blends martial arts with yoga, dance & aerobic like moves. You can do it at any level/intensity and the class is a wonderful mix of people of all ages, sizes & shapes. It’s like physical & emotional therapy to me. An hour beautifully spent. http://www.niachicago.com
Thanks for stopping by, Kristi!
Melissa—You know, we try to get to the gym once or twice a week. Don’t know if I’d call it fun, but we always feel better when we do—and like you, don’t feel good when we can’t. But lately, we’ve been swimming one or two nights a week at an indoor city park pool. That really is kind of fun and has made a real difference in how we feel.
I avoid the gym at all costs because I find it to be the antithesis of fun. So I try to seek out dance classes, exercise classes with good music, yoga studios that have a nice vibe about them…I think this post is right on about needing make things fun….and I love that staircase! I had a friend who was working on cardiac health in West Virginia which apparently has a major obesity problem and he found that if they just painted the stairwells in buildings more nicely and made the entrances more appealing people tended to take the stairs. Sort of the same concept I guess…
Something I’ll never understand: Treadmills. You can run outside anytime, anywhere and actually go somplace — north, south, east, west — and see something — sky, birds, other people… What kind of brainwashing went on to convince people they’re better off acting like a hamster instead.
On the road at the moment. Will check in with a proper response later, guys. Thanks for the comments.