Exercise is good for me. Honest
If we were a little more honest with ourselves, we might not say we have no time to exercise, but get out there and do something
How many times have you said it to yourself? I should exercise but when do I get the time? I’ll start tomorrow, I will make the effort. Tomorrow I’ll go to the gym after I drop the kids at school, oh no I’ve got to take the car in for a service, then all of the windows need washing…
Finding time for exercise in our increasingly busy schedules is probably the most common “out” for most people. As a personal trainer, I would say that my biggest challenge is programme designing for the hectic lifestyle client. And let’s face it, that includes most of us. So what is the answer to this dilemma, where are the windows of opportunity in our busy days?
I am sure we would all agree that the message is clear, 30 minutes of moderate activity per day
l can help prevent coronary heart disease
l will increase stamina
l can help prevent or combat obesity
l will give us that “feel good” factor
l will help prevent or combat diabetes
So why is it so hard to allow ourselves 30 minutes? Is it really about finding a mere 30 minutes or is it just an excuse?
Let’s start by being really honest. Are we just using the ‘no time’ thing as an excuse to not get off our butts? As US motivator Dr Phil would say, do you want to spend the next five years saying I’m gonna, or are you just gonna do it now? If you come to the realisation that you are using time as an excuse, that is the first step. Now find some time in your day and change your lifestyle.
Are we prioritising incorrectly? Things we really like doing will naturally go to the top of our ‘to do’ list. We just have to be very strict and steal five minutes here and there from the list. There is also the ‘must do’ list. This will include families, work and domestic stuff. We can steal time from these things if we really try. I can guarantee it! I have been planning exercise programmes for years and I can always find time that my client swears he or she doesn’t have.
Are you setting your sights on the London Marathon this summer and you haven’t even walked to the shops yet? Are you dreaming of that six pack when you still can’t even see your toes when you look down? Be realistic with yourself. Then you won’t let yourself down. Be easy on yourself and try to keep your sense of humour. You have to understand that human beings are not perfect, we make mistakes and we don’t all have an astronaut’s willpower. Set yourself short-term goals and try not to aim too high too soon.
Something can trigger you off to start exercising, like the first signs of summer and the longing to get into your bikini or Speedos; fancying someone and wanting to look like or Scarlet Johansson or Aston Kutcher; or it’s your daughter’s wedding and you need to look stunning in your new dress.
Whatever, if it gets you up and motivated then go for it! You will find the time if you really want to!
Remember any physical activity can be included in your 30 minute slot. You don’t have to be runner, cyclist or participant in the latest fitness class. Anything that expends energy, and let’s face it that covers a lot, counts. Try gardening, housework, being more active with the kids and passing on good habits. It’s easier here in Cyprus because the outdoor life is much more attractive and we can include water sports in our activities. The list is endless. Walking is the ideal from of exercise, instead of watching the TV, get yourself to the beach for 30 mins for a walk in the fresh air; I can guarantee it will make you feel great!
Having taught fitness classes for years, I constantly reinforce to my participants that I know how hard it is to get out of bed in the morning sometimes to ‘hit the studio’, but 10 minutes into the class we know why we are there, we start to come alive!
Go on find some time, it is simpler than you think, and I can promise you will be glad you did.
For advice on planning an exercise programme Tel Bonnie 99 200264
