Why do you really want to get active? It can be better health, or you just might want to wear fashion. Whatever it is – own it. It’s what will really get you off the sofa! Before you force yourself to go to the gym, think about the significance of what you are doing. Do you want more time alone to destress? Or do you want to lose the baby weight? Or feel more confident?

Try these starter questions to discover what will really get you moving, and what’s getting in your way;

• What kinds of physical activity have you enjoyed in the past?
• What activity have you always wanted to try?
• If you were healthier, how would it improve your life?
• What could you do with better health?
• Are you physically and mentally ready to make changes in your life?
• If you are not ready, what help do you need to be more ready?
• What kind of practical support would help you to be more active? 
• Can you create an ecosystem that gets you some of that practical help, so you can get moving?

Also think about what’s really standing in your way. For example,  if you hate exercising in the Singapore heat, could you set your alarm 40 minutes earlier and go for a walk before the day heats up? Or an early swim?  Can you get active with a friend or friends and share babysitting duties? Would it help to put shelves by your door for your walking shoes so they are easy to find on busy mornings? 

Exercise is one of those words that comes with a lot of baggage. For some people exercise means boring drudgery… like running on a sweaty treadmill in a smelly gym. If just hearing the word exercise makes your heart sink, stop using the word.

Instead you can use your own phrase like “healthy activity” or “fun fitness” or “mindful movement”  – or whatever words makes you feel enthusiastic about moving your body.

Too many people force themselves to do activity they dislike. They drag themselves to the gym because their friends go. Or they take up swimming because their doctor scolds them about putting on weight. But if you talk to people who love being active you find they make enjoyment a priority.

So look around for activity options that you might enjoy. If you dislike classic exercise activities like tennis, jogging or  the gym do not really appeal to you, find an activity that does appeal to you. It can be yoga, aqua aerobics, trampoline jumping, canoeing, dancing, yoga, gardening – or even just walking around somewhere new. To start, here are free and fun places to be active in Singapore.

It’s often easier to be active if you are doing it with a friend or group of other people. When your motivation is low, it is  much easier to keep moving when you are surrounded by a group of positive and encouraging people. Plus, when you know your kakis are expecting you at their regular meetups you are less likely to flake out and flop onto the sofa.

Being active in a group is often more fun as well – and that’s vital. Check out your nearest community centre to find group activities near you.

This year is is especially easy to find something new to do because GetActive! events are being held all around Singapore. In addition to exercise classes, you can attend festivals, compete in square dancing or roller skating and attend workshops for all ages that show you how to incorporate fitness movements into your daily routine. Find out more here.

Text: Bauer Syndication/ARE Media, Additional research: Tara Barker

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