You know you should be doing it, but you’re not. Why not? The #1 reason given for not exercising is lack of time. But exercise has so many benefits it really is worth making the time. And did you know there are studies that suggest that you may be extending your life by as much as seven times the number of minutes you exercise!
You may feel a bit overwhelmed. Not sure where to start? What you need is a plan of action.
1 – Make a List. Write down a handful of exercises or activities that you’re interested in trying or returning to. For example, you might write down snowboarding, rock climbing, running, and mountain biking. Or maybe yoga, hiking, ballet, and rowing. Don’t judge yourself or look for reasons why an activity may not be realistic. Just write down what sounds good to you right now.
2 – Research Your Options. Begin researching the possibilities. For example, if you’re interested in rock climbing, maybe there’s a climbing gym in your community. If you want to start hiking, you might make a list of trails and their distances and difficulty levels. You might also look for hiking groups or clubs to join. Explore the possibilities.
3 – Start Small. Identify one thing that you can do today to start adding your activity into your life. Can you go on a small hike? Are you able to rent or buy a ballet video and learn a few moves in your living room? Does your recreation or community center offer a basketball league and court? Can you head over there to shoot a few hoops?
4 – Set Your Goals. What do you want to achieve? Make SMART goals — Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.
5 – Create Your Plan. Use your goals to help you create a regular exercise plan. Remember to start small and gradually increase your time and goals. The keyword is “regular” exercise. Starting small allows you to gradually acclimate your body, your mind, and your life to your new program.
Finally, be patient. You’re probably not going to reap the benefits of your exercise efforts the first few days. However, with time, dedication, and persistence you will change your life, (and your body). Commit to exercising regularly, 4 to 6 times a week, for at least three months to experience the benefits. You’ll be glad you did.
