You do not have to run a daily marathon to keep fit. Thirty minutes a day of moderate intensity exercise is all that you need to keep your spirit and body healthy.
No more excuses, here are 10 easy ways to find the time you need to exercise. Remember it does not have to be all in one hit. You can break up the thirty minutes into 20 minutes dedicated cardio work such as walking and 10 minutes toning exercise. You do need to do something positive for your health every day and even small steps are better than doing taking no steps at all. It really is easy.
- Take a walk during your lunch break - a 20 minute walk before lunch will not only help de-stress you from your hectic morning but it will increase your metabolism throughout the afternoon
- If you use public transport, take an earlier bus or train and get off a few stops earlier than usual and walk the rest of the way. This is a great way to get your metabolism boosted in the morning and to energize you for you working day. Ladies if you wear heels to work, please carry them in a bag and wear dedicated walking shoes/trainers while walking to and from the office.
- Take the stairs instead of elevator whenever possible. Stair climbing is great for boosting your heart rate and working those thigh muscles.
- Park the car 15 minutes away from work and there you have just going to and from the office has given you your thirty minutes for the day
- Limit time spent in front of the TV especially on weekends. Instead us the time in the garden or on jobs around the house. You could always invest in a treadmill and walk while watching your favorite show.
- Walk the kids to and from school. Leave the car at home. This is good for all of you, as well as getting your exercise you are teaching your kids good habits.
- Take the kids, pets, and partner for a walk to the shops instead of taking the car
- Take the whole family on a cycle mystery tour of the neighborhood; finish with a picnic in a nearby park. Why not buy a bike rack, pack up the bikes, a picnic lunch and take the family on a day trip adventure to a national park.
- Learn to do something new - belly dancing, ballroom dancing, rock climbing, karate, yoga, check out what is on offer at your local community center
- Enlist a friend or even create your own early morning walking club by putting up a notice at your local shopping centre. The commitment of belonging to a group is very motivating, and the fact that you will have to justify you absences to others makes you less likely to give it up.
These are just a few ideas. If you start examining your lifestyle, I am sure that you can find just thirty minutes a day. You do not have to repeat the same activity every day in fact the more varied your activities are the less likely you are to become bored and give up. You do need to do something everyday for at least thirty minutes. If you do a variety of activities throughout the week make up a timetable of what it is you are doing on any given day, that way you will avoid confusion and forgetfulness.
Good luck and remember that good health needs to be nurtured. It is not a fad or passing phase. The fact is that we are getting lazier and larger as our lives become more and more automate. To enjoy our lives we must first enjoy good health.
