Great Ways to Fit Exercise Into Your Schedule

Our schedules are always full.  It seems that we have more responsibilities these days than ever before, which is really strange considering how many inventions we create to make life "easier".  How can you possibly fit exercise into your hectic schedule?  Even tougher, how do you stay motivated enough to exercise?  Do not lose hope and please do not quit.  You can fit exercise into your lifestyle.  Exercise is such a critical part of our lives.  Exercise maintains health.  Health enables us to do everything else.

Exercise

Here are a few suggestions for incorporating exercise into your schedule. 

#1-Exercise Machines-Investing in home exercise equipment is a great idea.  I don't understand why there are so many people who purchase exercise equipment for home and then barely use it.  Do not become one of those people.  If you have equipment at home, you don't have to worry about what to wear to the gym or driving anywhere.  Treadmills, elliptical trainers, and recumbent bicycles are excellent examples of exercise machines you can benefit from using at home.  Placing your exercise equipment in front of a tv or near a stereo is a good strategy.  If you are walking on a treadmill while you are watching your favorite show, that half hour or hour will go by much quicker because you won't be as focused on the time elapsed.  Try and purchase good quality exercise machines.  It makes a difference in your results. 

#2-Exercise dvds-Exercise dvds aren't what they use to be.  When I watch older dvds, I get so bored.  I can't watch them, let alone follow them.  Now, it's a lot different.  There are so many great exercise programs for you to choose from including P90X, Zumba, and the Insanity Workoutby Shaun T.  Exercise dvds are a lot more fun with a choice of workout routines, instructors, and music types.  Using an exercise dvd is so easy.  You pay for it once and use it as often and whenever you can.  Set yourself up on some sort of a schedule.  Perhaps wake up a half hour earlier in the morning to squeeze in a dvd or do it after the kids are in bed.

#3-Quick Exercises-There are several television shows that I enjoy watching.  For example, I enjoy watching the Biggest Loser, which is two hours long.  That is a long time to sit on the sofa.  A while back, I decided I was going to do exercises during the commercial breaks.  Each time a commercial break comes up, I do a different type of exercise.  For my upper body, I do push-ups and bicep and triceps exercises.  I do ab exercises like crunches and twists.  For my legs, I do squats and lunges.  I incorporate all different types of exercises for my upper and lower body and I include stretching.  I do not follow any kind of a strict plan.  Instead, I just do what I feel like.  With this strategy, you can fit in at least 30 minutes of exercise while you are watching tv.  That's not bad.

#4-Take Walks-I truly believe that walking is the best exercise for the body.  I remember watching an interview with a doctor who stressed the importance of walking.  He said that if people lose their ability to walk as they get older, their overall health deteriorates.  The quality of your life and the length of your life is greatly affected if you lose your mobility.  Most people can do walk whatever their fitness level is.  You can walk in the morning before work, during your lunch break, after dinner, or after the kids are in bed.  Walking is something that can be done year round.  If the weather in your area restricts your outdoor walking, consider a treadmill.  One tip when walking-Walk as if you are in a hurry to go somewhere.  That pace is the most appropriate when walking for exercise.

I completely understand how busy life can get.  My question to you is this-If you don't have your health, what do you have?  With all of our knowledge and experience, we understand the importance of health.  Take what you know and incorporate it into your life in any way you can.  Even the tiniest changes can make a difference.