Physical activity can make you strong, boost your energy, help you sleep
better, reduce stress, and improve your outlook. It can also reduce your risk
for certain chronic conditions, including heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes,
and high blood pressure.
Exercise does not have to mean going to the gym. Simply incorporating more movement into your day is beneficial. Do you work in the yard? Clean the house? Walk the dog? If yes, you're already getting some exercise.
Finding time to get fit
Once you decide to get more exercise, the next step is figuring
how you're going to fit it in if your schedule is already packed. Try some of these suggestions for slipping a workout into your day.
Rise and shine. Get up 30 minutes early and go for a walk or put in a yoga tape — there are fewer distractions in the morning. Plus, starting your day with exercise can help make you feel good the rest of the day.
Do double duty. Watching your child's practice or game? Grab another parent and walk the perimeter of the field. You can see the game from all angles.
Make a date. Recruit a friend to exercise with you and strengthen your body as you strengthen a friendship.
Keep a pair of sneakers in your office or your car. When you have the chance, walk.
Make an exercise appointment for yourself. On busy days, write down when you will exercise. Consider it as important as an office meeting or driving your kids to their afternoon activities.
Set goals. Having short-term and long-term goals can keep you motivated when you are wondering why you're getting up at 6:00 instead of 6:45. A short-term goal might be to exercise 4 days a week and a long-term goal may be to improve your overall fitness level.
Be realistic. If you get off your routine, don't sweat it. Be flexible and strive to get back on track.
Break it up. Exercise doesn't have to be continuous. You can get the same health benefits from three 10-minute bouts of activity per day as from one 30-minute bout.
Join a team or league. Call a local racquet club and join a tennis team. Communities often have organized sports, so be sure to check bulletin boards at the library, supermarket, or town hall.
Make exercise a family affair. Take hikes with the family and pack a healthful picnic lunch. Bike rides or in-line skating are also great ways to be active with the whole family.