What's the first thing you think of when someone says the word "exercise?" Most people think of words like work, sweat, stinky gyms, tiring, or just plain yuk. But if you want to stay healthy and live longer, let's face it, you're going to have to exercise in some way or another. The trick to exercising regularly is to make it something you can enjoy. Sound impossible? It doesn't have to be.

What was your favorite exercise or sport when you were young? Do you ever participate in it anymore? As a youth I loved to run track, ran cross-country, so when I decided to start exercising again, running was something that I gravitated to. Knowing my own nature, I knew I had to have something to motivate me. I set a 5-year goal to run in the Boston Marathon. To work up to that goal, I joined the Chattanooga Track Club and started running in the various races they host. Currently I've been running in several 5k runs.

Your interests are going to be different than mine. You may enjoy swimming, racquet ball, basketball or walking. The key to consistently exercising is to select something you enjoy -- that doesn't feel like exercise. Cause, let's face it, when most of us hear the word 'exercise' anything but the word fun comes to mind. It's got to be fun to keep you motivated. What motivates you? If you were never one to exercise, maybe you enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Have you considered using one of your breaks at work just to walk around outside for even 15 minutes a day?

I've had an interest in karate for years, so when four of our children wanted to take karate, I signed up with them. It's a fun way to spend time with my children, stay in shape and do something I've always wanted to do. Have you always wanted to learn to dance? What about taking a dance class with your daughter? Always wanted to kick box? Take a kick boxing class with your son. You're never too old to learn. Expand your horizons and try something you always wanted to do.

The second thing you need for consistency is a goal -- a long term goal and smaller and then smaller goals. An example of this is the goal to run in the Boston Marathon. That's a long term goal. My stepping-stone goals for that are to run in mile runs, then 5k runs, then 10k runs, then ...

Each race I run, I set a mini-goal. For example, when I first started running 5k races, I ran really slowly. So one of the first goals I set was to run the 5k in under 30 minutes. Another time, the race I was running in, people gave you drinks of water along your way. I'd never run in a race where you had to drink while running. Since this is something I'll definitely have to get used to for my long-term goal of the Boston Marathon, I chose to run in this race to help me toward the goal of getting used to drinking water while running. You get the idea... it's all about breaking your goals into baby steps.

Find something you enjoy and set small achievable goals. If possible, find someone else to join you in your new hobby. It's much easier to stay motivated when you're not alone.

Marnie Pehrson helps people live healthier and happier lives by removing the toxins from their homes. For more information Click here.

Marnie Pehrson, a mother of 6, has been highlighting truth and talent for 15 years. Whether it's writing a novel that spotlights individuals who've made a difference in the world or helping a talented entrepreneur create a platform for his life's work, Marnie underscores truth and talent in innovative and compelling ways. She is the creator of www.IdeaMarketers.com and helps experts promote their products and services online. For more information on her various projects and books, visit http://www.pwgroup.com. Contact the author, Marnie Pehrson , at marnie@pwgroup.com
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