At what age did you stop playing and start "exercising?" I especially loved jazz and tap dancing as a child. I remember in grade school swinging on the bars, playing softball, and running around the big gully at the end of our street. I even recall our neighbor, Mrs. Waters, who led all of us kids on the street in a five-mile bike ride around our neighborhood.

Then I grew up. No more softball, playing in the gully, or bike riding with Mrs. Waters and, once I reached high school, no more jazz or tap dancing. I took P.E. where I was made to jog, huffing and puffing (and complaining) the whole way. Soon my friends were talking about diets and even purging. What happened?

This is the point at which many of us first became aware of exercise. Some of us saw mom or dad "exercising" but it was something grown ups did, and probably something that we got the clear impression they did not like. When given the choice to play or exercise, which sounds more appealing to you? What would you say if I told you that you could do both at the same time?

Pretending exercise is fun for you, when it isn't, won't work. Instead, practice gratitude for what your body can do. You can also focus on the end result you desire, on the physical wealth you are achieving. Even these attitude shifts may not be enough to keep you going. I maintain that getting some enjoyment from the exercise that you do is important. Search for activities you do like, whether or not they are viewed as traditional exercise.

If you currently enjoy your exercise program, that's great. Look at ways to make it more fun:

1. Don't torture yourself. I don't love to exercise, but I certainly don't pick something I hate to do. For example, the treadmill and stationary bike bore me. I can't stand to use them. But there are plenty of pieces of equipment that I can use because I don't hate them, and even enjoy using them.

2. Focus on the positive aspects. What do you like about your exercise? I enjoy the scenery that surrounds the lake I exercise at several times a week. The ducks and geese are often a hoot, chasing each other and squawking. I also enjoy my Lateral Thigh Trainer because the movement is different than any other exercise that I do and it is does not pound on my joints, a nice change from walking and jogging.

3. Connect with your exercise. Try playing some mental games during exercise, really connecting with your body and the movement it is making. Imagine your body becoming faster, stronger, or more lean and limber. Especially during strength training, making a mental connection – literally seeing your muscles contract in your mind's eye – can elicit more muscle recruitment, a larger percentage of your muscle fibers being used, and therefore, greater results.

4. Keep yourself entertained. Sometimes the only way to get your exercise done is to entertain yourself. I like to watch TV to keep myself amused while I'm using the Lateral Thigh Trainer. Many of my clients use a motivational CD that takes them through interval training – it makes the time go by quickly and gives them a great workout. My mom programmed her MP3 player with her favorite disco songs and has a great time whatever exercise she does. Doing your workout, run, walk or other exercise with a friend can make the time fly by while you're in conversation.

5. Try non-traditional exercise. In college I took a jazz dance course one semester and I looked forward to that class everyday. Another semester I took a karate class. What did you used to like doing? Or, what have you wanted to try but thought it wouldn't "count" as exercise? Give it a try. If it moves your body, it counts.

If you are short on ideas, check the course catalog of the local community college or public recreation program near you. Dance classes, yoga, volleyball… I'm amazed at the number and variety of options. Another bonus of these programs is that the prices tend to be very reasonable.

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The warm weather inspired this month's articles. First is an excerpt from my book—ideas on how to make exercise more fun. During summer, exercise options seem to increase exponentially. Whether it's taking classes at a community college, getting into water sports or participating in summer leagues, my recommendation is to get out and play. I also included a cool recipe to squeeze in veggies for a poolside party or picnic in the park.

Whatever your plans, I hope you take time to enjoy yourself this summer season. I know I will.

In health,
Heather Moreno

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This recipe, featuring colorful vegetables, lean turkey and whole-wheat tortillas, is easy to prepare and provides a portable mini-meal. Steamed kale with vitamins K, A and C offers added cancer protection. So while a traditional salad may not be a sensible on-the-go meal, wrapping up your veggies can help you stay on track and make nutritious meal choices all summer long.

Combine the cucumber, carrot and red pepper in a re-sealable plastic bag. Add the seasoned rice vinegar. Marinate the vegetables, shaking the bag a few times, for up to 2 hours.

Meanwhile, steam the kale leaves with a pinch of salt, until bright green and tender, about 10 minutes.

Spread each tortilla with 2 tablespoons of cream cheese. Top with 2 kale leaves, 1/4 of the sliced turkey breast and 1/4 of the marinated veggies. Carefully roll up each tortilla, cut in half and serve. Makes 4 servings.

Per serving: 320 calories, 9 g total fat (3 g saturated fat), 33 g carbohydrate, 25 g protein, 4 g dietary fiber, 560 mg sodium.

Courtesy of American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). To see more AICR recipes visit the Recipe Corner

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