Exercise
Exercise Excuses Exposed!
Exercise Opportunities Are Everywhere
Love it or hate it, exercise must become part of your daily life to maintain a healthy heart, weight, immune system, and brain function. If you love it, great! Keep at it! If you find it hard to find the time and motivation to exercise, take a moment to challenge your own excuses…
“I would need to join a gym to exercise.” Totally untrue! You don’t need equipment to go for a walk or do crunches. You could also vacuum the floor, clean your room, walk the dog, take the stairs—these activities all count as exercise! There are all kinds of ways to get moving. Make a list of your daily routine and add some momentum to your regular movements.
“Exercise is boring.” Exercise doesn’t have to be a dreaded obligation. Take a brisk walk with a friend, ride a bike, go for a swim, or even just blast your favorite song and get your groove on while you fold your clothes. Try something new to get inspired: yoga, skating, dance classes, workout videos, or anything else you’re curious about. Go for it!
“I’m too busy; I don’t have time to exercise.” Okay, it’s true that health experts recommend exercising for at least 30 minutes a day—but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all at one time. Find movement for 10 minutes at a time, if that’s all you have, as long as it all adds up. Remember that even 10 minutes is better than zero, so get started today.
“I don’t need to exercise because my body looks fine the way it is.” But DID YOU KNOW that exercise benefits your mind too? Exercising regularly greatly relieves stress, boosts your mood, increases energy, and has the power to ease symptoms of depression. Exercise also builds strong bones and muscles to prevent physical health problems from arising in your future!
Track your daily exercise by making an exercise chart or keeping an exercise diary, and give yourself credit for making time to POWER YOUR HEALTH!