We all know that exercise is important. We know that it
improves our mood, helps us to either lose or maintain
weight, increases our energy levels, helps prevent diseases
- the list goes on. It’s so important that the
government has gone as far as to set guidelines for
exercise.
The government recommends that people exercise five times
per week for 30 minutes at a moderate intensity for general
health; however, studies have proven that vigorous activity
3-5 times a week for at least 20 minutes is what you need
to attain maximum health benefits and increase longevity.
In today’s busy world where people are juggling work
life, home life and a social life, there is little time
left for any kind of exercise regardless of it being
moderate or vigorous. Or is this lack of time just an
EXCUSE to be lazy? After all 20-30 minutes really
isn’t that long. It’s the amount of time we
spend hitting the snooze button every morning, the amount
of time we spend lazing around while dinner is in the oven.
Here are some techniques to help you become a healthier you!
Make the decision. The first step is deciding that your
health comes before everything else. Think of exercise as
the medicine that keeps you well. If you were ill and your
doctor prescribed a medication you wouldn’t think of
not taking it. Think of exercise in the same way.
Start today. It takes 21 days to create a new habit. The
sooner you start the easier it will become. If you can
stick to it for 21 days straight, you’ll be
pleasantly surprised when it no longer feels like a lot of
effort, but rather a regular part of your daily routine.
Find the time. Not having time is nothing more than an
excuse. If you were to become ill, I guarantee you’d
find the time to recover. You’re body wouldn't allow
you to continue with daily activities until you were well.
To find the time write down what you do in an average day
and week. Look at your timetable and see where you have
pockets of spare time.
Schedule it. Once you’ve found that time, schedule
it! Book an appointment with yourself and don’t let
anyone break it. You’re health is just as important
as a scheduled meeting at work. You’re boss
wouldn’t accept you missing a meeting and neither
should you. Be your own boss.
Work hard. Once you’ve made the decision and found
the time, the next step is to make the most of it. Work
hard! As previously mentioned vigorous activity has far
more health benefits than moderate intensity workouts.
Examples of vigorous activities are running, circuit
training, team sports, tennis, badminton, and aerobics,
basically anything that makes you sweat and increases your
breathing.
Enjoy it. Find an activity you love to do. Whether
it’s running or a gym class use the time to have fun.
Enjoying what you do will set you up for success.
Don’t think of exercise as a chore, rather as a way
of life.
Remember it takes 21 days to create a new habit. Start
yours today! Don’t be lazy. Don’t put it off.
This is your health, your life. Don’t wait for the
New Year to start. New Year’s resolutions are another
EXCUSE to putting things off. Feel great by the time the
New Year comes around!
----------------------------------------------------
Rosa Coelho is a Performance Coach, Personal Trainer and
Sports Massage Therapist at Dax Moy Personal Training
Studios in London. Rosa specialises in applying a holistic
approach to health and fitness through The POWER
Principles. For more information about Rosa visit
http://www.rocofit.com
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