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A Letter to Kate: Staying Active

By Kate Marchbanks
Published on December 29, 2008

I’m one of those people who considers exercise a dirty word. I admit I’m more of a couch potato than a health nut.

I don’t like to exercise, but I know sitting around all the time isn’t good for me either.

If exercise is disguised as fun, I’m more apt to enjoy it. My favorite forms of exercise include swimming, badminton and walking. I don’t get a chance to go swimming or play badminton much anymore, but I try to walk whenever and wherever I can.

I remember being quite active as a child. I went swimming, rode my bike, played badminton, tag and other outdoor games. But I was a lot younger then, and I had more energy. Now all I want to do when I get home from work is rest.

My muscles and joints suffer when I don’t keep myself active, so I don’t understand why I don’t make myself at least get on my jogging trampoline for a few minutes every day. I suppose it’s just a matter of getting into the habit.

Once a person starts on an exercise routine, whatever activity he or she decides will be the most beneficial to the body, it becomes second nature. Getting started is the hard part.

I’m more motivated to exercise when I’m doing it with a friend, but finding the time to get together with someone whose schedule is as full as mine has been a challenge.

I try to keep my mind in shape by reading, writing, playing board games and watching game shows that test my knowledge. At times, age likes to play games with my memory.

This is the beginning of a new year, so, like countless others, I will make a commitment to be more active and to live a much healthier lifestyle.