In today's world, finding time for exercise and physical activity can feel like an overwhelming challenge. However, activity and exercise are critical for living a long and happy life.
To help you overcome the barriers and embrace an active lifestyle, we've compiled ten practical tips that will help you add exercise and activity into your life.
From starting small and finding activities you enjoy to scheduling dedicated time, these tips will empower you to make exercise a consistent and enjoyable part of your daily routine.
And when's the best time to start? Today!
"Exercise is a celebration of what your body can do. Not a punishment for what you ate."
- Unknown
Begin by adding short spells of physical activity into your daily routine. Take a short walk during lunch breaks or do a quick workout video in the morning. Gradually increase the duration and intensity over time.
Discover physical activities that you genuinely enjoy. Whether it's dancing, hiking, cycling, swimming, or playing a sport, engaging in activities you find fun will make it much easier to stick with them.
Treat exercise and activity as a priority by scheduling dedicated time for it in your daily or weekly calendar. Treat it as an important appointment and commit to it.
Look for opportunities to be active throughout your day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away from work, or going for a short walk after meals.
Find a friend, family member, or co-worker who shares your active goals and exercise together. Having a workout buddy will provide motivation, support, and make exercise a lot more enjoyable.
Try a variety of exercises and activities to keep things interesting. Combine cardiovascular activities with strength training, flexibility exercises, and recreational activities to work different muscle groups and keep your routine varied and interesting.
Set realistic and achievable goals that align with your experience of activity and exercise. Whether it's aiming for a certain number of steps per day, increasing your workout duration, or participating in a specific event, setting goals can provide direction and motivation. Just remember to make them realistic.
Take advantage of fitness apps, activity trackers, and Active Teams to monitor your progress and find motivation. These tools can help you stay accountable and provide insights into your activity levels. Be careful not to become overly focused on the numbers though!
Everyone needs to be active, so encourage your friends and family to move more. Add physical activities into your family time. Plan active outings, such as hiking, biking, or playing sports together. It promotes a healthy lifestyle for the entire family and creates lasting memories.
Remember to prioritise rest and recovery to avoid burnout and injury. Allow your body time to recover between workouts, get enough sleep, and practice relaxation techniques like stretching or yoga.
Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. Better safe than sorry.
Learn how Active Teams boosts workplace health and performance using 'The Miracle Cure' of activity.