exercise

i hate to exercise. i have never been one who derives any pleasure from intentionally sweating. i see the benefit of it. i know the necessity of it.
but, here's an opposite look at it. i love to play games with friends--you, know the kind i mean: friendly competition of volleyball or softball (not basketball--too much skill required). if i could just surround myself with opportunities to play games, i would be increasing physical activity that could count as exercie.
my point is this: for those like me who don't want to exercise but need to, add physical activity to your regular routine. it's not about buying a treadmill or video of the latest-greatest. simply increase your activity within your already established circle.
so, i've started to walk to work again. i'll break out the bike again soon, but for now, i walk. i've started parking farther away from my destination. it's true that i can't walk every where, but i can walk within certain parameters.
also, instead of the big power tools of yard work, i'm taking the time to do things by hand. our garden is in the process of becoming weed-free. we're not using chemicals or power tools, we're using exercise for a double benefit.
maybe that's the concept i've come to grasp: exercise, though it has it's own reward, just doesn't reward me in the immediacy. "i can't see it, so what's the point?" however, when i walk to work because i had to be there anyway, i see the benefit. when the garden needs weeded anyway and i can bring my son with me to pull weeds (well, he just eats dirt and worms), but it's bonding time, weeding time and exercise.
it's more bang for my buck and less fat cells in my waist line.

ps - to 3 faithful friends who offered me a ride home on sunday afternoon, i say "thank you". you all had backseat space to spare, but i'm on a mission to live healthier and this is just one small improvement i can make. at the same time, it's good to know i've got friends.