It's About Time!

We all have our excuses. “It’s been a long day.” I need to relax.” “I’ll skip lunch tomorrow.”  Whatever the reason, we have all been there. And, ‘there’ is as far away from the gym as possible. The benefits of having a consistent workout regimen are huge: healthier hearts, reduced blood pressure, and even an improved mood and lowered anxiety levels. So, what’s the problem? Why is more than half of the country physically inactive, when the CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise per week?

One of the biggest reasons to skip the gym is because we are dedicating time to something else… but, this is where we can start making the most change. Schedule exercise time just like you schedule business meetings or study groups, and stop looking at appointments with the gym as a date with torture. The CDC’s Physical Activity page suggests taking a few 10-minute walks each day of the work week, to break up your routine. Need to touch base with a client? Put on your walking shoes and take the call outdoors! Take the stairs to your apartment, or carry hand-weights while you walk the dog. By adopting these new habits, you can start slowly, and build up to 150 minutes or more. Exercise is important for people of all abilities, and the National Center for Physical Activity and Disability recommends kayaking, tai chi, and other routines as alternatives for vigorous exercise.

We all have our excuses, but as APHA’s National Public Health Week approaches, we are reminded that every minute we make an excuse not to work out, we are increasing our risks for not-so-minute health problems. Make time for yourself and your health, even if it means rescheduling your day. Your improved attitude and fitness are worth every minute!