What are your favorite physical activities or exercises?

Daily writing prompt

What are your favorite physical activities or exercises?

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It’s funny — because when I stop and think about it, my whole relationship with “exercise” was shaped early on. Growing up, my father never let me play organized sports in school or anywhere else. His philosophy was simple: “If you’re going to exert yourself, you might as well be making money.”
So while other kids were out there running drills and practicing free throws, I was working, hustling, earning — and honestly, that mindset stuck with me.

It’s not that I don’t take care of myself. I actually do exercise regularly. I lift, I walk, I stay active, and I pay attention to my health. But here’s the truth: I still hate it. Every minute of it. I don’t get that magical “endorphin rush” people talk about — the only rush I get is when I find a great deal at a yard sale.

The one physical activity I do truly love is riding waves down the shore. If you’re from Philly, you get it. There’s nothing like catching a wave, letting it carry you in, and feeling the ocean smack some life into you. That never felt like exercise — that felt like freedom.

And then there’s my real year-round workout: walking flea markets.
That’s my kind of physical activity. I can walk miles without even realizing it because my brain is locked into hunt mode. Scanning tables, spotting treasures, weaving through crowds — it’s basically a sport. If Fitbit had a “picker mode,” I’d be in the top 1%.

By the time I’m done, I’ve hit more steps than a gym class, burned calories, stretched, lifted, negotiated, and had fun doing it. It’s the only time exercise doesn’t feel like exercise.

So yeah… I stay active. I take care of myself. But if we’re being totally honest here:
I hate traditional exercise. Always have.
Give me a morning down the shore riding waves or a giant flea market at sunrise — that’s where I break a sweat and actually enjoy it.