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Everyone associates dieting with weight loss but it is just as important to remember that our bodies need exercise too not only to lose weight but to retain health.  Our ancestors did not have to think about exercise.  They were active during daylight hours because of the number of chores that had to be completed during the day just to survive.  The advance of machinery then technology, has made us into an inactive society.  In addition to the weight we have gained from the inactivity, our bodies are no longer performing the activities they were designed for.

Our bodies were meant to move.  Exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and many other diseases.   It also improves how you look and can delay the aging process.  So why don’t more of us exercise?  It’s a vicious cycle actually.  We are at jobs that many of us hate and as a result by the time we get off of work, we are often too tired to exercise.  In a perfect world, we could all work out for an hour each day but that’s not reality.  Advice of many is to get up earlier but who really wants to get out of bed an hour earlier when we are going to bed exhausted?

Since exercise is so important, here are a few tips that might help you.  For me since I am self-employed,  I can adjust my work schedule but if this is not an option for you, hopefully one of these ideas might get you moving.  Try to exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes.  It is that important.

• Stop working through lunch and take a walk.  You can do this by packing a lunch then taking a quick 15 – 30 minute walk and still get back to the office on time.  Plus a walk at lunch will give you energy for the afternoon.
• Go directly to the gym after work before you go home.  This was key for me when I worked away from home.  I would pack my bag and go directly from the office to the gym.  It was amazing how much better I felt after I got my workout in.
• If possible, walk or bike to work.  If that is not possible, park as far away from the building as possible so you can walk further.
• If you can’t leave work, get your workout in AT WORK.  You can walk to the office of the person you need to talk to versus calling.  You can do exercises at your desk or while standing.
• Take the kids or grandkids with you.  Kids are a bundle of energy. What could be more fun than playing with the kids at the park?
• Instead of going out to dinner or drinks with friends, schedule an activity instead.  You can hike, kayak, and other activities.
• Multitask.  Exercise while you’re watching TV instead of just sitting on the couch.
• Break up your workout into smaller amounts.  For example instead of trying to get a 30 minute workout in, break up your workout into three 10 minute time frames.

Your body craves activity.  Make the time anyway you can to get a minimum of 30 minutes exercise in every day.  Your health depends on it.

To your health,

Denise

Denise Sanger is a high energy business owner with over 30 years experience in the marketing area.  She has transitioned her love of fitness and marketing into helping others succeed in their own journey to health and businesses.   She founded How To Stay Fit Over 50 to provide hope and support to others by motivating them to take the first step in their fitness journey no matter what age.  Email her at denisesanger@gmail.com or denisesanger@beachbodycoach.com