Let’s get Play back into Fitness!
There was a time when we moved freely, playing games, having fun while at the same time making our bodies fit for life. Then something happened…we “grew up”. We became adults and adults do not play because play is for children. No, adults do serious workouts seating on 1000 dollar machines that move in one direction. Adults are not suppose to “act silly” and are passed the point when play is necessary. But play is not something silly it is a necessary activity that keeps our bodies and minds young and vibrant.
Play is necessary not just for the development of the human brain but also its maintenace and its ability to age wise and powerful. Play as we are learning through the fascinating field of neuroscience is not something silly that kids do but a necessary act to give birth to new neurons, expand our thinking abilities and increase our imagination.
Also, play allows us to explore movement in a fun enjoyable format which makes us more likely to move more.And, we all know what happens when we move more: we improve our fitness and our overall wellness. If you view exercise as something boring that has to be done to keep your doctor happy then you are missing out on the big picture.
I love to play, I always have and always will. The memories of playing sports and other games are imprinted with happiness and joy. I am not willing to give that up and you shouldn’t either. My advice to you is that you find the joy back in movement. Remember the games you use to play back when you were “allowed” by society, find new things that excite you and give then a try.
Now, in the spirit of doing what I say, I am going to show you a few videos of myself and my wife Kelleen at the beach playing with poi chains and contact juggling balls:
Here is Kelleen playing with poi chains and dancing:
And finally, a little contact juggling:
After, seeing these videos you could be thinking: That is fine for them but not me!. Or maybe the more negative: Why don’t you go and join the circus! But perhaps you are a little more open to the idea that: Hey, they look like they are having a great time!
Regarless, of how you feel about poi spinning or contact juggling or play in general I can make this statement with a 100 percent certainty: it makes life brighter,more fun and keeps us in great shape. Learn to spin poi, juggle or find your own game but do this not for me but for yourself: make exercise more like play and enjoy movement in your life.
Have fun, live more!
Luis