Everyone knows that aerobic-cardio exercise is good for us. The #1 issue: we need to find time to do it and to make it a regular part of our lives. The rest we can work out later.
Aerobic exercise helps with weight loss, stress reduction, lowering blood pressure, reduces bad cholesterol, aids sleep, can be highly social and fun… but so many of us are unable to regularly exercise. You don't need a lot of exercise to bring health benefits, the science is clear (read here). What can we do to on on the path to exercise??
- Make time to exercise. How is your schedule in the morning or evening? Perhaps lunchtime provides an opportunity. Yes, we have responsibilities to our work, our teams, our family. We also have a responsibility to ourselves and our own health. For those of us in Singapore we have a window of opportunity during lockdown to get started. For those of us not in lockdown what activities can you modify or drop to make time for exercise? Can work be delegated, drinks not attended? Can you arrive at events slightly late, to fit in a half hour of exercise?
- Set a goal. If you are not exercising at all, aim for once a week – then build it up. If you are already exercising a couple of times a week, aim for a third or fourth.
- If you can’t run, walk. Walking with intent has powerful health benefits, jogging (or running) let’s you get more done in less time. Ok, there are more benefits to vigorous than that but let’s focus first on making exercise a regular part of our life. You might find our article here to be useful.
- Use your phone (or smartwatch) – to plan your exercise schedule and keep you accountable. There are plenty of apps that will support and advise on a walking or running routine.
- Make exercise fun. Walking and running are only two ways to get your aerobic exercise. Go with a friend, discover new routes, have a healthy snack together as a treat. Cycling, swimming, dancing - these all count too.
Whole health is about making healthy choices consistent and sustainable. This applies to exercise, eating, work-life balance, even to our physical environment and relationships. If you have struggled to stay on track with exercise, diet or juggling the conflicting demands of modern life we can help you. Contact us now and for a free Discovery session (and health assessment) and we’ll help you to get on the path to whole health.
