Tick tock goes the clock, and your fitness level if you do not make time to exercise. Father Time will catch up to you as your fitness level has a lot to do with you old you look and feel. But as time slips by, the number one excuse to not exercise is not being able to find the time.
In fact, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than 50 percent of American adults do not engage in the required amount of physical activity for health benefits, and 25 percent of adults are not active at all. The reason, many of them cite, “Not enough time.”
With proper planning you will be able to include all of the components required for a workout regimen. According to the American Council on Exercise, “A healthy exercise program includes three kinds of exercise: aerobic activity, muscular conditioning and flexibility exercise.” Below are some tips to help fit these types of fitness activities into your hectic lifestyle:
#1 Make A Smart Plan
Most of us have smart phones and are addicted to our smart phones. Exercise your options on your handy device and schedule sometime for yourself to exercise. By this showing up on your calendar, you will be more likely to stick to your appointment. There are also many exercise plans you can download right onto your smart phone if you need help devising a workout routine.
#2 Work out Remotely
So you’ve recorded your favorite shows and are getting ready to watch hit the couch. Hit the exercise ball, treadmill or bike instead and get active while being entertained. Pop in your favorite workout DVD and push play to get moving. Soon idle time watching TV will be both multi-tasking and healthy!
#3 Make A Date
I love both taking and teaching Zumba and Pilates. He loves racquetball and biking. We both love hiking and that is our thing we do together. It is my favorite date, usually followed by a healthy brunch either out or whipped up together at home. Making healthy choices as a couple for how to spend your time together is both important for your health and relationship.
#4 Combine Work and Working Out
Working out with coworkers can build teamwork and comradery. Employers also tout that it cuts down on absenteeism as those who workout are typically healthier. Hit the office gym at lunchtime or plan to play a game of squash. Many fitness centers also offer corporate rates for memberships as well.
#5 Make It a Family Affair
My mother always says “a family that prays together, stays together.” I truly believe this as it builds a foundation and purpose. I also believe that these principles can be applied to your health and well being. Family time is precious, so make it healthy. Go for a family bike ride or trip to the playground. It will get your kids away from the video games and you burning more calories.
Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her fiance, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.