You want to exercise more but it seems so hard to start. Here’s how to ditch the excuses.
In today’s fast-paced world, who has time to exercise?
Everyone does.
Start by finding just 10 minutes during the day. Don’t think you can commit this much time? Sure you can! Just use the time you spend talking on the phone and walk while you talk. Or give up social media for 10 minutes and instead go for a bike ride – you won’t be missing anything that important anyway.
Once you find 10 minutes to exercise, it won’t be long before those 10 minutes become 20, 30 or more. It’s easier to add time on to your routine slowly than to jump right into exercising for 30, 45 or even 60 minutes a day. This is especially true if you have been relatively sedentary until now. But even if you’re used to exercising, it can be more realistic to start small and add to your routine instead of jumping into a schedule you’ll find hard to stick with.
If you can’t find a long enough block of time to fit in some physical activity, don’t use it as an excuse to do nothing. Instead, break it up into blocks of at least 10 minutes throughout the day – it all adds up.
The more regularly you exercise, the easier it will be to stick to a fitness routine. The hardest part is just getting started.
So what are you waiting for?
Here are some tips to fit fitness in your day:
- Set realistic goals. Start small and add on slowly. It’s hard to say “no” to just 10 or 20 minutes a day but it may be easy to find an excuse if you’re shooting for an hour of exercise.
- Make your workouts a priority. Schedule them on your calendar just as you would any other important appointment.
- Get up a little earlier. If it’s hard to find extra time once your day gets going, set your alarm clock a little earlier. Do some yoga after getting out of bed or take a brisk walk before breakfast.
- Keep a set of weights handy. Use lightweight dumbbells when you are watching television, at your desk or talking on the phone.
- Ask family or friends to join you. It’s easier to stick to your commitment when you know someone is by your side.
- Find something you enjoy doing. If you hate going to the gym, that’s okay. Do you like to swim? Dance? Play tennis? Walk in the park? You’re more likely to stick with an activity that makes you happy.
Copyright 2019 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.
Health eCooking® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Cook eKitchen™ is a designated trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.
Date Last Reviewed: March 25, 2019
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
Medical Review: Andrew P. Overman, DPT, MS, COMT, CSCS
Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy and sponsorship policy.
No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.