Every month, we host a ProductiveMuslim reader discussion where you can share ideas and tips to help each other become more productive. In our last discussion, readers shared practical tips on how to overcome indecision and distractions in an age where we are faced with countless, mind-boggling options and opportunities.

The theme for this month’s discussion is how to become more physically active.

For as long as we remember, we’ve heard it from our parents, educators, health professionals and friends: exercise is essential for a healthy mind and body.

Regular physical activity lowers the risk of heart disease, boosts energy levels, acts as a natural mood enhancer, keeps stress at bay and can be a fun way to connect with your significant other!

Every once in a while, when a powerful reminder comes our way, we’ll get excited, go out and shop for new sports gear and spend our hard-earned savings on a gym membership. The disappointment sets in when after a month we slowly start losing interest and pray that Allah compensates us for the money we just wasted. Back to our sedentary lifestyles, we push the guilt away by reassuring ourselves that we look and feel fine the way we are.

But deep inside, don’t you just wish you were that young man or woman who never misses their daily workout and can effortlessly take a flight of stairs? Do you feel impressed with the sixty-something grandparent who is able to actively entertain his grandchildren all day and hope you’re fit enough when you grow old? When you’re old, that is when you will look back with either pride or regret at how you treated your body.

The good news is, a gym membership is not a requirement for being physically active!

So what else can we do to make physical activity part and parcel of our packed schedules? How can students, mothers and professionals incorporate light exercise on the go without feeling burdened?

Share with us what you do that everybody else can too to become more physically active:

• at home
• on campus
• at work
• all day and every day!

and anything else to help you lead a more physically productive lifestyle.