It’s time to build up some exercise momentum, especially with the Fall weather already here. We all know the benefits of regular exercise. It lowers your risk for heart disease and can help you lose weight. If that wasn’t good enough, exercise can also boost the immune system and memory. So if exercise is so good, why don’t more people do it? No time? Fear? Laziness? Maybe. Many think getting healthy is an overwhelming task, but you can make changes gradually, ease into a new exercise routine and do so while hardly noticing you’ve made a change. Pretty soon, you’ve got a whole new mindset about good exercise. Here are a few simple things I recommend to get in a good exercise rhythm.
- Don’t join a gym. Well, not until you’re committed to go to your gym regularly – meaning at least 3 times a week. So start small: Walk 20 minutes a day during your lunch break. Walk 10 minutes in one direction then 10 minutes back. This will build up endurance and wake you up for the rest of the day. And bring a coworker. Exercise works even better with an accountability partner to keep you motivated. Note, if while exercising you’re struggling to carry a simple conversation because both of you are too out of breath to talk, then you’re in trouble. Simply slow down your pace. Over time, you’ll develop daily walking into a good habit. If it’s raining outside, do daily brisk walks in the malls. For the shopaholics out there, do your walk first, then reward yourself with shopping after.
- Join a sport. Basketball is my sport of choice. I’m not that good, so I make it up with hustle. I run up and down the basketball court constantly (probably because no one passes me the ball). However, at least I’m getting my exercise! So, find a bball, volleyball or soccer league to join. If you like to dance, try a Zumba or dance class. Dance is great for cardio, strengthens your core, and is fun!
- Do a TV cleanse. If you find you’re coming up with excuses to do these basic suggestions at this point, then please change the way you think. Lack of time is the #1 reason for not exercising. However, if you make something a high enough priority, you will find a way to make time. Take a 1 week hiatus from watching TV, particularly Reality TV. Sorry to all the Jersey Shore fans, but it’s time to spend some time in your own reality, not someone else’s. And if you find yourself having “TV withdrawals,” this simply means you’re addicted to TV. I can guarantee that you will be just fine if you take 1 week off. The world won’t stop. If anything, you’ll feel even better. It’s all about prioritizing.
Michael Corsilles, ND, PA-C
