We all know that exercise can prolong our lives, but many people say they simply don't have enough time in the day. Read on to find out how you can make the time.
Fitting Fitness into Your Life: 5 Tips
A formalized exercise program is the ideal way to stay in shape because the key to benefiting from exercise is consistency. However, formal exercise is not totally necessary to get the healthy rewards. Instead of thinking "exercise," think "physical activity". Consider the following:
1. Do You Really Not Have Time?
The activities we choose in life are based on what we consider the highest priorities. If you are balancing a career, family, and personal hobbies, it might seem unfeasible or even oppressive to fit in a trip to the gym.
But what if you found a physical activity that didn't seem like a chore? Get creative with what you consider exercise, because it does not have to be the conventional gym membership. Consider dancing, rollerblading, jumping on a trampoline, golfing, gardening, yoga, or riding your bike. When you like what you do, your form of exercise becomes a priority and you will find you have time you didn't think you had.
2. Add It Up
There are many opportunities throughout your day to work physical activity into your schedule.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Park your car a few blocks from where you're going.
- Walk or ride your bike for errands.
Some of us already have jobs that require high levels of physical activity, which can count as exercise. For those of us who are sitting at a desk for hours every day, consider the following possibilities:
- Getting yourself to work can become physical activity. If it's possible, walk or ride your bike to work.
- Utilize lunchtime as a time to exercise. Do some stretching and toning exercises by your desk, or go outside and take a brisk walk in the fresh air.
- Use your legs instead of your phone when you need to run errands in your building.
4. Housework Work Out
All that scrubbing and sweeping in housework can really require a lot of physical activity. Sweep the floor with a broom instead of a vacuum, wash dishes by hand rather than using a dishwasher, and really scrub the tiles.
Or take it outdoors. Yard work also makes for a good workout: cut the lawn with a manual mower, rake some leaves, shovel the snow, chop wood, pull weeds and feel the fitness and benefit the environment at the same time by avoiding power equipment.
5. Double Up
If you set aside time on the weekend to spend with your family or friends, why not add physical activity into the agenda? Take a hike, schedule a soccer game, go out dancing, swim in the ocean, or any of the other activities that were made for social gatherings.
I hope this article helps you find all the ways to work physical activity into your day! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
--Dr. Mao
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To learn more about Dr. Mao and other natural health tips, go to askdrmao.com.
To purchase Dr. Mao's book, "Secrets of Longevity," click here.
