Let’s talk about a few things that are boring. Just for a minute.
There’s a long, pointless lecture about an obscure subject, right?
And, say, an endless game of Monopoly no one can seem to win.
But do you know what’s NOT boring? Taking care of yourself through regular exercise and eating right as an active ager! Staying fit isn’t boring if you’re doing it right, and it lets you enjoy more aspects of your life, whatever they might be. People are more likely to keep doing something if it’s fun and fresh, right? So, that’s the trick for overcoming this “boring” idea. Here, then, are our Top 10 Tips for Keeping Exercise Fun.
Remember being a kid. You loved to play, right? Your folks had to yell to get you to stop. As Oliver Wendell Holmes, the physician and author, famously said, “We don’t quit playing because we grow older; we grow older because we quit playing.”
Pick something you like. If you hate to run, then lift weights. If you’re bored lifting weights, then try yoga. We love all these activities, and many more, but to get you started, we recommend picking something that’s enjoyable and pleasant. Then you can mix it up later if you like.
Get outside sometimes. Even if you’re coming to the gym regularly, you’ll enjoy fresh air and sunshine by riding a bike, taking the dog for a walk, or tossing a frisbee.
Schedule your exercise right. When is it easiest for you to go to the gym? Which location is convenient? You’re more likely to stick with it if it’s a part of your bigger day.
Involve a friend. Bring someone or make a new buddy here with us. The social connection is vital for everyone, but especially active agers, who can be self-isolated, and especially in these crazy times.
Smile and laugh. Be friendly to others. Laugh frequently while exercising, even if you’re forcing it. Studies show that laughter really is good medicine, even if we’re faking it!
Prepare a uniform. OK, not really a uniform, per se. But some people find it helps them get in the habit and maintain excitement if they have something special to wear, or a little ritual involving preparation.
Enjoy sports and hobbies. As you can see from this list, exercise doesn’t have to happen in a gym or studio. In fact, you’ll enjoy it more when you connect it to improved performance and comfort in things like golf, tennis, and gardening.
Start a tip jar for yourself. Drop a $1 bill into it every time you purposefully move, and splurge on a treat once in a while. Wear a tracker to keep a tally of how many steps you’re taking and calories you’re burning. It adds up!
Listen while you move. Podcasts, playlists and audiobooks are great ways to make the most of your time exercising. Some people even enjoy watching a favorite show on their phone while on the treadmill or other machine.
See what we mean? Tons of fun. Zero boredom. Come see us today on our YouTube page where we post lots of fun workouts and come to class with us! Also check out our news note - its not boring, most of the time!
Healthy Recipe, Bow-Tie Pasta with Fennel, Chicken Sausage
With its distinctive licorice-like flavor and significant amounts of vitamin C and essential minerals, fresh fennel is an underrated vegetable well worth getting to know better, raw or cooked. Here it’s thinly sliced and sauteed until meltingly tender with fresh bell pepper and combined with Italian sausage and pasta for a no-fuss, one-dish meal. The seasonings in the sausage (which typically include fennel seeds) eliminate the need for extra spices and aromatics. This dish is healthier with a chicken sausage or plant-based product; you can reduce carbs with vegetable noodles, if you like. From cookbook author Susan Puckett. Serves 5.
Ingredients
Kosher salt
12 ounces bow-tie or other short pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus a splash for pasta water
1 medium bulb fennel, preferably with fronds
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and thinly sliced
1 pound sweet or spicy Italian chicken sausage
Freshly ground black pepper
Grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 2 tablespoons of salt and a splash of oil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions.
While waiting for the water to boil, trim and thinly slice the fennel bulb and chop a tablespoon or so of the (optional) fronds. Core, seed, and thinly slice the red pepper. Slice open and remove the sausage from its casing.
When the pasta is done, remove about ½ cup of the pasta water and set aside. Then drain and transfer the cooked pasta to a bowl, and toss with 1 tablespoon of the oil to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the oil and swirl to coat the pan. When hot, add the sausage and cook until well-browned and cooked through, breaking up large chunks with a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes. Transfer the sausage with a slotted spoon to a bowl or plate and set aside.
Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and add the sliced fennel (reserve the fronds for later) and red pepper, season to taste with salt and pepper, and cook until the fennel and pepper are soft and caramelized a bit, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the sausage back to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water, scraping up any browned bits clinging to the bottom of the pan. Add the pasta, heat through, toss, and ladle into serving bowls. Sprinkle with the chopped fronds and grated cheese, if desired, and serve.
Nutrition
276 calories, 19.6g protein, 22g carbohydrates, 12g fat