We all get "stuck" in various ways: a project bogs down, communication with a loved one stalls, we don't find happiness in our work anymore, life is good yet we know it could be better. Physical exercise (movement!) is unsticking, freeing and enlivening. If the quality of our being stuck is at the mental level (ideas, beliefs, complaints) physical exercise may be beneficial as we draw attention to the body, drop the mind into the body, into the heart, free the mind for a fresh start. Regular exercise may provide this effect for us on a daily basis very similar to the benefit of meditation practice.

Like millions of others, you may be stuck in the area of exercise! Here are some actions to take for the purpose of getting exercise, owning exercise, for your life.

Start by making a stand, "I am doing whatever it takes for me to own exercise for my life." Then,

1. Go for a walk with this previous quote as your mantra. What shows up? Consider what you enjoy in terms of physical activity. What have you done in the past that was fun and engaging? Do you have any friends, acquaintances that exercise regularly or say they would like to? Do you know of an attractive location/gym with personal trainers? Hey, look! You're exercising (you're walking)!

2. Walk more! This may be the simplest way to start exercise and get it now. Feel your body moving. Observe yourself walking and acknowledge, "I am moving, I am free, I am exercising." Walking is a great place to notice how your body feels. Play with stride length and speed to engage/experience different muscles including your heart. Walking after dinner aids digestion and may help make the transition from the day's activities to the evening and rest.

3. Sign up with a personal trainer and ask, "What does it take for me to own exercise for my life?"

4. Commit to a yoga, swimming, weight-training, aerobics or cycling class for several sessions. Consider this commitment a cornerstone of your exercise life. If you quit it you must replace it with some other regular exercise!

5. Get an exercise partner/friend. This arrangement may also act as a cornerstone. Partners can be nice for all range of activities- walking, weightlifting, sports....

6. Experiment. Choose indoor or outdoor. Then create an exercise session for yourself. Try different things—dumbbells at home? Push-ups? Squats? A circuit in the park?

7. Subscribe to a fitness magazine for ideas and inspiration.

Exercise is especially useful for getting unstuck from our mental concerns. We get stuck when we are "in our heads." When you exercise pay attention to your physical body and the physical surroundings. Putting attention on the physical is putting attention on the present. Life moves! So, to get unstuck, exercise!