A recent government survey indicates that 80% of adult Americans do not get the recommended amounts of exercise each week, potentially setting themselves up for years of health problems. Why don’t they work out? I’ve heard reasons such as the following: exercising is boring, tiring, confusing, intimidating, only for skinny people…if I only I had more TIME. Time is the number one barrier to exercise. Let’s talk about how we can find some in our busy, overloaded schedules in order to gain strength, flexibility and functionality, and to just feel better! Listed below are some simple tips:
- Break-up your workout into smaller time segments. For example, find 15 minutes twice a day to take a brief walk. You don’t need to work out for 30 minutes straight – split-up the time!
- Before you go to bed, take 5 minutes to stretch! Stretching will increase your comfort, and you will sleep better!
- Exercise at home. You don’t need to belong to a fancy gym to get a good workout. Take 20 minutes before you head to work to get your blood pumping!
- Find an activity or sport you enjoy, such as golf, tennis, gardening, walking or just being active with your children or grandchildren.