How to Get Enough Exercise

For most people, at least in industrialized countries like the United States, it can feel like it's next to impossible to squeeze any exercise into already busy and hectic lives. But really there are two keys to working exercise in successfully.

First Key - Make it a Priority

It's hard to accomplish anything if you don't have the desire and commitment to do it. Exercise is no different. Because you're here reading this I think it's safe to assume you've already taken this first step. If you still need some reasons to make it a priority, consider the following things:

• Exercise and eating right will not only increase your chances adding more years to your life, but also of adding more life to your years. It's hard to enjoy life when you feel tired and run down. I know many people can't even physically participate in some of the more fun things in life.
• This is a guess on my part, but I guess you probably would regret sacrificing your health for fortune early in life, only to have to sacrifice your fortune to get your health back later in life.

Making exercise a priority can be part of a larger prioritization of a lot of things in your life. Since each day has a fixed number of hours you need to consciously choose where to spend that time. Will you spend it watching tv, cooking or baking, playing with the kids, or exercising? Make a list of all the things you currently do during the day, then make a list of the things you need or want to do. Now see if you can sacrifice some of the things you currently do, like watching the television, in order to squeeze in some other things, like exercising.

Second Key - Take Action

It's not impossible to overcome the barriers that keep you from exercising. Here are some tips for squeezing in exercise, even when you don't feel like you have the time:

• Wake up 30 minutes early and exercise. Make up for that 30 minutes of sleep by turning off the evening news and getting to bed 30 minutes earlier the prior night.
• Make efficient use of your exercise time. 5 minute warm up followed by exercising at a high intensity. If you're not out of breath as you exercise you're not doing your body the most possible good.
• Don't drive when you can walk or bike. Try biking to work, because with a little effort you can make it a habit that's fairly easy to maintain.
• If you do drive, park far out in the parking lot and use the stairs instead of the elevator. You hear about this one a lot, and it may not seem like much, but every little bit helps add to your daily activity total.
• Make it a habit to take a break at work and get a 10-15 minute walk in. If that's not possible, consider using some lunch hour time to go for a nice long walk.
• Get the family involved. Support each other in making active lifestyle choices, instead of gathering around the television every night.

As you can see, by simply making the commitment and applying a bit of effort, nearly anyone can have time for exercise. Nobody can do it for you, it needs to be a conscious decision on your part.