Making Time for Exercise

Exercise is essential for healthy living. No matter what your size, because size is not always an indication of good health, there are some things that you must fit into your busy lifestyle. Whether stay at home parents or full-time businessmen and women, exercise is lacking in many of our lives. So how do we fit 30-60 minutes into a 24-hour day which already seems 3-4 hours too short for our needs? Simple, you plan.

Remember that deadline you had last week at work? The one you stayed up until 3a.m. for three consecutive nights to complete? You were determined to complete your project because everyone around you was counting on you to do your part. It goes along with the job, you say, but although the accolades keep rolling in for a job well done, there is another project you have neglected to complete. When will you pencil yourself in? How is your health holding up? You give your all to them; the children, the spouse, the boss and coworkers. What do you have to show for it? You are doing a disservice to yourself if you only knew. Studies show, people who exercise daily could add nearly four years to their lives. Now, if you only had the time, you say. It is not the time you lack but is proper thinking which is keeping you from exercising.

Some people must have a cup of Joe in the morning before they are good for anything. Surprisingly, your body is the same way. No, it doesn't crave a Mocha Latte but rather proper maintenance. Exercising cuts risks for almost anything you can think of. From depression to prostate cancer, exercise is the best way to ward of disease and other ailments. This is no joking matter. Exercise is mandatory for proper upkeep.

Now that you know about exercising and its importance, here are a few quick tips to get you started.

Find something enjoyable. The important thing with exercise is finding something that is enjoyable for you. If you enjoy the activity you are a part of, it doesn't seem like work or a struggle. Choose an activity that is enjoyable. You don't necessarily have to jump up and down to get a good workout. Many people are really into Yoga and Pilates which is not my style. I enjoy more of a hardcore workout like kickboxing. Think outside the box. Salsa dancing, volleyball, cycling; as long as it gets your heart pumping, you are good to go.

Never underestimate the simplicity of walking. Walking is free and can be done indoors and outdoors when inclement weather may be a factor. Walking is also proven as one of the safest and effective ways of losing weight. No heavy stress on joints as in other aerobic workouts and a pair of good walking shoes are all you need to get you started.

Gym memberships do not make you lose weight; but dedication and motivation do. Just because you are not a member of a gym does not give you an excuse to skip a work out. Gym memberships can be pricey for some and there are other options which are more suitable if this is a concern. An exercise ball and a few hand weights can be just as useful as heavy gym equipment.

There are a large percentage of people out there who, although they know they are neglecting themselves, may still be resistance to change. To them I say find creative ways to get your exercise.

Take the stairs. If you are so busy that you really cannot fit in 30-45 minutes of physical activity in your day, then take the stairs indeed. You must make the most out of the time that you actually are using your feet. A brisk walk from your car to the office may turn into an extra 15 minutes of activity that you were lacking in the first place. At least you are halfway there. Skip your lunch break a couple days a week and find a walking path nearby. Just adding physical activity a couple of days of week is a great way to jump-start your health.

In case you were wondering, here are a few activities you can easily add to your life. Pick one that suits your taste and burn those calories.

• Running 10 mph: 1,270 calories
• In-Line Skating 12 mph: 833 calories
• Mountain Biking: 675 calories
• Bicycling 12-13 mph: 635 calories
• Football (flag or touch): 635 calories
• Tennis (singles): 556 calories
• Swimming (freestyle): 556 calories
• Jet Ski: 556 calories
• Soccer: 555 calories

Abdominals are essential in maintaining stability and balance. When you strengthen your abdominals and back it helps to support the spine. Even the busiest man or woman has 15 minutes to spare. The best thing about this abdominal workout is it's done in the comfort of your own home. Either before you leave in the morning or prior to bedtime, devotes 15 minutes to your core strength. Your body will thank you for it later.