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Fitting Fitness Into A Too-Busy Schedule |
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So you think you don't have time for fitness because the kids need your attention; or work at the office seems to be consuming all your time; or you have no more energy left at the end of the day to even think about exercising. Perhaps this is a matter of priorities in your life. Do you want to feel good and have more energy? Easier weight control? Improved appearance? Increased sense of well-being? Enhanced relaxation? Overall sound health? If you do, even your busiest schedule can have time for fitness activities.
A little increase of activity on a daily basis is an important first step. The more physical activity you do, the easier it becomes to do even more. A trim and healthy lifestyle can be enjoyed by adding incidental exercise to a busy schedule. Exercise should be enjoyable. Make it part of your life. Just do it. Don't even think about it. TRY THESE GET-MOVING TIPS: - Do wake-up stretches in the morning for a few minutes. This limbers your joints and energizes your muscles.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you work in a high rise building, get off the elevator a few floors before your floor and walk the stairs the rest of the way.
- Take a 20 to 30 minute walk with a co-worker during lunch. Eat a light lunch after the walk.
- Fight afternoon fatigue with a stretch break and practise deep breathing for five minutes. For a snack, try fresh fruit, juice, or herb tea.
- Park farther away from the grocery store and carry your groceries to the car.
- Do yard work, garden, rake leaves, walk the dog.
- Add no-cost, fun exercise activities to Sunday family outings. Rotate the selection and planning of the activities with each family member.
- Experiment with mini-aerobic workouts for 20 to 30 minutes 3 times a week. (Examples are walking, jogging, bicycling, stairclimbing, and rowing.)
- Do 10 to 15 minutes of strength training 2 or 3 times a week. Follow a muscle conditioning video.
Remember, exercise adds up during the day. The more you do, the more kilojoules you burn. Energize with exercise. Get moving no matter how busy you are. See how creative you can be with your schedule and your family. Check with your doctor before you start an exercise program if you are over 40 or have a medical condition. Choose physical and exercise activities that you enjoy and that are readily accessible. Work with a exercise trainer to learn how to exercise safely. Article #7435 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
