A great tip is to write down a diary of your day and find where you can incorporate more movement into your day.
Set your morning alarm 20 minutes earlier and walk around the block before work. The fresh air and movement in the morning will reward you will a burst of energy for the day. On your way to work, choose stairs over elevators and if you work at a desk, be sure to stand up as much as possible throughout the day and do some stretches or go for a walk in your break.
Another way to fit in your daily movement is to postpone the occasional TV show you’re currently hooked on and book a class at the gym instead. Or if you really can’t afford to miss it, lay down a yoga mat in front of your TV and do some stretches or even sit-ups if you’re feeling energised.
A number of studies have shown that exercise in fact reduces fatigue. Rather than totally skipping exercise, incorporate strategies to make sure moving is a priority. Try doing a shorter workout, or something less strenuous that you usually would, like a yoga class or even just a 20 minute walk.
Don’t put exercise on tomorrow’s to-do list. However, if you really are too tired, don’t feel guilty. Take a rest day and recharge your batteries.
Exercise can be as cheap (even free) or as expensive as you like!
Most gyms & fitness studios offer free trials, so you can make the most of these and find an exercise you enjoy.
The cheapest and easiest form of exercise, is walking. This doesn’t have to be a 5km daily walk. Researchers in the US have found that just 20 minutes of walking a day can greatly benefit your health, having anti-inflammatory effects and lowering the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity.
If you want to step it up a notch whilst you’re on your walk, you can make the most of your own body weight, and outdoor workout stations, or even picnic benches which are great for bodyweight exercises such as push ups, step ups and tricep dips, to name a few.
Exercise isn’t just about nutrition, or weight.
Exercise is good for your heart, your circulation, your joints, your mental well-being…the list goes on. The possibilities are endless. Health should be a combined effort of exercise and nutrition, but exercise provides many health benefits that nutrition alone cannot.
Everyone has to start somewhere!
If you are super unfit, this should be one of the main motivations to start moving.
There are exercise options for everyone. If you’re really struggling about where to start, contact an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who will be able to start you on an exercise program safely.
Exercise isn’t a one size fits all approach! That’s why it’s great that there are so many options.
You have to find the exercise that’s right for you, so if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, try something new.
There are options for everyone. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking exercising regularly means having to attend five gym sessions a week. It is just making sure you are moving your body regularly, whether this means walking your dog or going for a swim.
