Everyone says they want to exercise more. The benefits are pretty significant for your health and well-being. As someone who works out nearly every day and often more than once per day, I’m often asked how I find time. Well, the simple answer is that it’s a serious priority for me. I do it first thing in the morning before anything else can get in my way (and before I can think about it too much). I realize that most people may not be as motivated as I am about my workouts. So here’s my best advice for how to fit a bit more exercise into your life.
- Redefine “workout”
- 10-15 minutes each day is way better than nothing and WALKING counts!!
- Do what you can, and let go of “perfect”
- Bring running/walking shoes and gear in the car: ready to go when you have a few minutes to walk
- Lift weights and do resistance training at home: soup cans or milk jugs filled with water can serve as “barbells,” try doing bicep curls, or wall or chair squats while talking on the phone
- Resistance bands are inexpensive, travel with you, can do a full body workout with them (more ideas here: http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/RubrBndWkout.pdf
- Stretch out your neck, chest and shoulders at traffic lights
- Try some isometric quadricep contractions while in traffic
- And, of course, whenever you have the opportunity to do something that requires a bit more physical labor rather than using the assistance of gas or electric powered device, you’ll also be doing something good for your body (and for the environment!) Examples include taking the stairs rather than the escalator or elevator, or raking leaves with a rake not a leaf blower, or riding your bike (or walking!) to work and leaving the car at home.