• Got a dog, kids? Use them! When it comes to fitness, a big, well-trained dog can really be your best friend. If you can get Rover to heel at any pace, then you've got a walking or running partner who will never cancel out on you.Take your buddy to the park and play fetch. Wrestle with him. Teach him to catch a Frisbee. If you've got kids, play Frisbee with them too. Kids really understand that exercise and playtime are one in the same. Join them in their games. They'll probably wear you out, and that's the point, isn't it?
• Find an exercise partner. Some people like walking alone because it gives them time to reflect. Most, however, prefer to share their active time with a pal. The next time one of your friends starts moaning about how he or she needs to get in shape, ask, "What are you doing tomorrow?" and set up a date to get together and do something. And you don't have to just walk or go to the gym — use some of the ideas mentioned here. This works especially well with someone you feel really comfortable with. That way, if you trip over your jump rope or feel silly trying to cha-cha-cha, you both can enjoy a laugh. If all your friends are slugs, join a walking club or take some dance classes. When you start glowing, maybe some of your friends will want to get in on the secret.
• Follow your dreams. Did you ever imagine of running a marathon or entering a triathlon? No? Well, how about taking part in a dance contest, or trying gymnastics? Would you like to climb a mountain? Get a black belt in Karate? Would you like to improve your tennis game and become a really killer player? Or do you just want to do a graceful handstand sometime in your adult life? You can do any or all of the above - you just need the proper training. When it comes to fitness the first thing you must remember is to never limit yourself. The second thing to remember is prepare. If you want to try an activity that seems a little (or very) intimidating, go ahead and try it anyway. Just find someone to teach you. Yes, you can run that marathon if you gradually work up to it. There are a lot of adult ballet classes around these days. A good fitness trainer can give you a series of exercises that will improve your golf or tennis game. Whatever you want to do, there is someone out there who can help you achieve it. The key here is having a goal and taking the steps to reach it. That's when exercise stops being boring and becomes a means to an end. It becomes part of an adventure. Go for it!

Being active is really a lot more fun than being a soft, pudgy couch potato. So what are you waiting for? Move around, get some color in your cheeks, work up a bit of a sweat. It's playtime!

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