When we are children, we don’t think about the need to exercise, we just do it. We are naturally motivated to do it and we call it play or ‘having an adventure’. As we get older, we are so busy moving from one obligation, job or task to another it’s easy to forget the value of movement that brings joy to our very existence.

It’s so easy to get caught in the trap of thinking “I should do something’ and before you know it you’re talking about exercise as just another task on your list of chores. It’s no surprise then that we often lack the motivation to embrace physical activity.

We witnessed the value of play in our gym last week when one of our Coaches set up an obstacle course just for fun. As gym goers arrived, regardless of their age and ability their faces lit up, eyes turned into saucers, and their excitement filled the room.

• FitRever 1: ‘What are you doing?”
• FitRever 2: ‘Oh hi, want to join me, I’ll show you how?”
• FitRever 1: ‘Yes please, yay”

And so it went on, with one person after the next joining in. Laughter and excitement ensued.

Nobody thought, well I guess I better complete my movement task, they simply thought ‘that looks fun’, I want to try it. This is why planning fun in our gym is an essential part of our programming.

We’ve all read or seen a gazillion articles about how movement is critical to our mental and physical health, especially as we age. However, when thinking about what is sensible and necessary, don’t forget that play and planning for adventures makes it palatable.

After all, we all know we must eat our vegetables but making them simple to prepare and joyful to consume is the key to eating them regularly. Playful movement is the gift that keeps on giving. Start there and the rest will fall into place.

Fitness Revolution in Bassendean welcomes everybody but specialises in the over 40’s in a fun and safe environment. Learn more about our personal and group training.

Founder/Director Nicky McKimmie

• B.A (Anthropology)
• Fitness Australia – Level 2 Exercise Professional
• Nutrition Coach: Precision Nutrition Level One & Two Certified
• Australian Weightlifting Federation – Level 1 Coach
• Pre & Post Natal (Exercise in the Child Bearing Year)