Instead of ‘exercising’ as a chore, get physically spontaneous for the fun of it

For adults aged 18-64, the latest WHO advisory recommends ‘at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or at least 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent combination throughout the week’.

While that may sound like the best thing since last week’s IPOs to fitness boffins, does it sound like a bore chore for the rest of us? To be fair, regardless of whether you run a daily distance to stay healthy or do the same to catch your 9.32 train, the effect is the same.

But minus the regimen tag, acts of ‘planned spontaneity’ – taking a dip in the pool when you’re feeling particularly bucolic, or taking a few potshots at the neighbourhood park with the ball – are fun.

Taking the fun out of fun activities has been a particular bane of our ‘ends justify the means’ culture. So, New Year resolutions – hastily being made as we enter the last lap of the old year – bring a particular kind of joy only when they are broken.

Physically demanding activities can be made more wholesome by turning them into contests, something, we know, that won’t sound inviting to the ‘It’s in the taking part that counts’ crowd.

Instead of getting a dogwalker, go walk the dog. Instead of running on your treadmill, briskly walk around your neighbourhood – AQI levels permitting. Bottomline: just do more things on a whim.

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