If there were a product that could make you less stressed, more energized, improve your self-image – all the while preventing bone loss, manage high blood pressure and help keep weight under control – how often do you think you’d use it?  Pretty frequently, right?  So why is it that so many of us still beg off regular exercise routines?  

Physical fitness is a great way to have a healthy outlook on life – and it also brings great health benefits.  

In fact, physical inactivity may be just as dangerous as smoking, high cholesterol and blood pressure as controllable risk factors for heart disease.  An active lifestyle can help stave off diabetes complications, osteoporosis and obesity.  

Knowing all this, are you still reluctant to get off the couch and on to the treadmill?  How about the fact that thousands of American deaths each year are attributed to a lack of regular physical activity?  

That’s pretty alarming, especially considering that many of us know how good regular exercise is for our well-being.   

The most common excuse for not exercising is lack of time.  We’re all busy and making it to the gym or going for a walk in the neighborhood just doesn’t take priority.  The fact is that the best time to exercise is anytime.  Even if it’s stretching your muscles while watching TV, or doing sit-ups and push-ups between commercials.  

If you’re not in the habit of being physically active – making it hard to keep any kind of new year’s fitness resolution – the time to start is now!  Here are some on how to make physical activity a way of life:  

• Talk to your doctor about activities that are right for you.
  
• Choose a starting date that fits your schedule and gives you enough time to begin your program, like a Saturday.
  
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
  
• Start slowly – don’t overdo it!
  
• Try to exercise at the same time of day so it becomes a regular part of your lifestyle.  For example, you might walk every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (during your lunch hour) from 12:00 to 12:30.
  
• Drink a cup of water before, during and after activity periods greater than 30 minutes in length.
  
• Ask a friend to start a program with you – use the buddy system!
  
• Note your activities on a calendar.  Write down the distance or length of time of your workout and how you feel after each session.
  
• If you miss a day, plan a make-up day or add 10 – 15 minutes to your next session.   Once you’ve started, keep yourself going by getting family and friends to participate in your activities or join an exercise group, health club or your local YMCA.  Be sure to choose activities that you like and are convenient – and use variety to keep your interest.  

Most importantly, exercise should be fun!  So decide on what’s best for you and go for it!  

If you need to find a physician who can help, please call 1.888.257.5476 for a Physician Referral or click on Find a Physician   

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