Sneaking Exercise into Your Schedule

We all need to exercise – just ask your doctor. Even if weight loss is not the goal, exercise keeps us healthy and improves quality of life. This is great – for those who like exercise, and have plenty of extra time for it. So what about the rest of us?

Stay Positive – Don’t Get Discouraged

The good news is that you do not have to set aside hours of your day for exercise. In fact, the latest word is that the long standing requirement of 30 minutes each day can even be broken into shorter intervals. The American Diabetes Association is even suggesting trying to fit 3 ten minute intervals into your day.

Keep in mind that the ideal is just that – ideal. It would be fabulous if we all had time to do our allotted daily exercising each day. In real life, however, perfection does not exist, and not all situations are ideal. The important thing is to make the most of what you do have, and to give things your best effort.

There is no need to be frustrated with yourself on days that you have little or no time for exercise. Definitely do not give up just because your schedule does not allow the perfect amount of time. Doing anything is better than doing nothing. If 10 minutes is all that you have today, than 10 minutes is just the right amount of time. If you can fit in 30 minutes tomorrow, that is also great. Focus on doing what works for you instead of trying to force more time than your schedule allows.

Jump Start Your Day

Who wants to be the sit-up queen anyway? You do not need to do 700. See if you can manage just 2 minutes in the morning before your shower for a couple of sit-up, or a great Pilates-based core exercise. So you will not wake up tomorrow with Janet Jackson’s abs – you are still making progress, and sneaking some exercise into your day!

Why stand around while you are brushing your teeth? By doing a couple of quick squats, you can get a little more exercise. Plus, you will probably find that you are brushing your teeth just a little longer. If you do not always go for the full time recommended by your dentist, now you are creating two good habits – congratulations!

Step Up Your Daily Activities