I don't mind walking when there is a purpose. I work on a large university campus. and I'm constantly dashing around campus - no problem; I'm not a couch potato. But to just plain go out for a walk for exercise, it raises my blood pressure and aggravates me to no end, so it probably does more harm than good. I'm looking for some physical activity to replace dance, which was always a pleasurable experience and never a chore. After decades in the education and fitness industries, I am totally convinced that people will rarely stick with an activity of any sort unless they enjoy it. Walking, jogging, running, swimming laps, exercise machines - all way too boring. Life is way to short to deal with things you hate to do.

I think you are wise. One must enjoy exercise to persist in it.

Hi my race is October 6. That's the day before twin cities marathon. I got new shoes today. I'm making it interesting by talking to my wellness coach and now my trainer. I took photos of my new running shoes and my meals. I showed them that I did not buy the potato chips I usually buy. I think that I stay on track because I am interacting with other people. I have goals that I chose. Then I talk about my preparation step by step with other people. Along the way I am processing with my coach or someone else. I don't go it alone. Then I try to be humorous about what is happening to me. I do try to have fun. My trainer said to just have fun by feeling my body in motion. Then go to race, start, finish and don't get hurt. I think turning healthy living into play makes all the difference. Adults have mostly forgotten how to play. They don't remember catching butterflies and how much fun that was.

Get Roku. Watch movies while you are on your stationery bike. It doesn’t matter how you get your exercise in. Your legs are your second heart (I worked in cardiac rehab as a stress management psychologist for a year.).

Thank you for the suggestion and for your good intentions. What i love about dance is that you get lost in the activity as your mind is occupied with the music and choreography. I am definitely not looking for ways to divert my attention from activities I hate. I love dancing of any kind (from ballet and ballroom to tap and hip hop), skiing, surfing, and playing soccer. I can't think of anything more miserable than sitting on a stationery bicycle watching some dumb movie or TV show, except maybe listening to an audio book or podcast while on a treadmill or stepper. I'm happy for people who find these activities fulfilling or at least healthful, but they just are not for me.

Have you ever thought of learning tai chi. I am thinking of signing up. Its good for balance and I like the flowing motions of it. I can take tai chi along with my living with diabetes class. It's free too.

I have tried both tai chi and yoga for a couple of months, and I think it is fantastic that you are enjoying your classes. Tai chi was fun for me at the beginning and it is very helpful for improving balance. I agree that that flowing movements are beautiful. However, after the first few weeks, it became repetitive and boring for me. I also found the spiritual component in yoga not to my liking - I am the least spiritual person you'll ever meet.

Hi @ginaquilts I smiled at your post. I get bored at exercise classes too although I have never tried Tai Chi. I'm thinking o joining a gym because I feel I'm neglecting my upper body. A friend said she listens to audiobooks while exercising at gym. Boredom problem solved.

Hi @alpaca. I love your screen name. I am an avid knitter, and I love alpaca and alpaca blends. The critters are really fascinating, too. Thanks for the audiobooks suggestion. I am a very fast reader and the slow pace of the audiobooks drive me insane, and I get distracted easily. That's why I'm looking for an activity that engages both my mind and my body. As I've said, I definitely hate boring activities, and I know I won't stick with anything where the only incentive is trying to get my mind off the misery of engaging with something I hate.

Thank you, and I wish I could lay claim to that wisdom. From today's Mayo Clinic Newsletter: "You're more likely to stick with an exercise program if you're having fun. If you're not enjoying your workouts, try something different." I'm currently in search of that something different or a way to return to dance, which is enjoyable and not in the least a chore for me. I just got back from two weeks in Hawaii, surfing every day. Surfing has been a great way to improve my balance. You are expected to fall a lot, so I didn't stick out as being unusual, and it doesn't hurt when you fall into the water - a lot easier on the body than falling on concrete. Dance classes start up again in just over a week, and I am hoping my balance is good enough to make it through the beginner classes.