Exercise Ideas for Those Time Challenged

Exercise is an important part of losing weight. Lots of research suggests that exercise is really important in weight loss and keeping it off. So what do you do if you do not have lots of time to work out? Read on for some tips!

1. Health experts recommend being active for one hour each day. Do not have a whole hour to spend exercising? Do your exercise in smaller chunks. Studies suggest that breaking up your exercise into smaller 10 or 15 minute chunks give just the same benefit as exercising for one hour.

2. Make a list of as many 10 or 15 minute activities you can do. Make sure you list some for outside and inside. Do you like any of these choices?

Jump rope and see how many jumps you can make in 10 minutes ☺ walk the dog ☺ Ride your bike ☺ Dance to 3 of your favorite songs ☺ Get on the treadmill and see how far you can walk in 10 minutes ☺ Speed vacuum the house (parents especially appreciate this one) ☺ Walk up and down your stairs ☺ Jumping Jacks ☺ skip ☺
Many more!

3. Keep that list handy! Whenever you find yourself with a free 10 or 15 minutes, pick one off the list. And, go!

4. Some days you maybe really busy. Other days you may have a lot of time. That is ok! Take advantage of the days you have more time. Get extra exercise in.

5. One time per week, take a look at your schedule. Pick times in advance to exercise. This may help you get more time in to do it. Also, make sure you stick to your scheduled exercise time. There are not many things more important than your health!

6. Call a friend. Make an "exercise date" with a friend. You can get together and chat. And, you can get your exercise in while having fun!

7. Exercising for 10 to 15 minutes at a time is enough to help you feel better about yourself. Even if you do not feel like it right now, experiment doing just 10 minutes a day. You will be surprised after 2 weeks how much better you feel about yourself!

8. Don't give up! Some days or weeks or months you may not be able to exercise. Or, maybe you are not motivated. Don't let that get you down. Start exercising today! You will feel more confident. And, you will start losing weight!

Make this a healthy week!
(and don't forget to click on Lucy's pic at the top
for an audio message)

  (Click here for past week's tips)