We all know that exercise is very important. Yet, one common excuse for not exercising enough is “I don’t have time.” While it can be difficult to find time to exercise, that doesn’t mean that it’s okay to live a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise provides a lot of health benefits, that’s why finding time to exercise is essential.
Finding Time to Exercise
1. Get up early
Regardless of your schedule and occupation, the fact remains that there are 24 hours in a day. Maybe all you have to do is use time differently. Try being an early bird. Get up early in the morning to fit in your workout. Sleep is super important, though, so make sure you always get enough sleep. If you are going to get up early, make sure you discipline yourself to go to bed early, too.
2. Turn off the TV
Every week, the average American spends 34 hours watching TV. Watching TV can be a big time consumer. You don’t have to miss your favorite TV shows and movies, though. Use time wisely and record your favorite shows and set a specific time to watch them. Avoid sitting on the couch or laying in bed all the time. And set aside a certain amount of time per day to exercise.
3. Have a workout partner
Working out with a family member, friend, or special someone can be a great motivating factor. You are more likely to make time for exercise if you know that someone is waiting for you. If you don’t show up, you’re letting not only yourself down, but your partner as well. Working out together can also help when one of you is feeling tired or down. The other can then help with motivation. You can also set fitness goals together, and help each other to attain them.
4. Combine exercise and transportation
Sometimes, we overlook the fact that getting from point A to point B can be a good opportunity to exercise. This is becoming a trend in some cities. Here are some things you can do:
- Bike or walk to work/school
- Bike to the supermarket/grocery store
- Walk or bike to the coffee shop
- Walk to your place of worship
- Walk over to a friend’s house
5. You don’t have to go to the gym
Going to a gym definitely has its advantages and disadvantages. A gym is equipped with various fitness equipment that will allow you to do a wide range of exercises. However, not everyone can do that on a regular basis, especially with a busy schedule. You also have to pay gym membership fees. If you have limited time and resources, why not consider doing workouts at home? For example, FITin56 is a great fitness program that you can do in the convenience of your own home.
How Often Should You Exercise?
The American Heart Association provides these minimum exercise guidelines for healthy adults aged 18 to 65:
- Moderate intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes, 5 days per week (for example, brisk walk) or;
- Vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity for 20 minutes, 3 days per week (for example, jogging) or;
- A combination of moderate intensity and vigorous intensity.
Conclusion
The keys to finding time to exercise are flexibility, discipline, a regular schedule, and making fitness a way of life. Plan ahead so other to-do items don’t push exercise off your radar. Try a top quality home exercise program like FITin56. Remember, physical activity translates to a healthier you!