Incorporating fitness into your everyday routine

Fitness is a broad term meaning something different for everyone; and you don’t have to be a marathon runner to be in good health.  If you remain active and have healthy everyday habits, you are probably doing enough.  When you are incorporating fitness into your everyday routine, along with eating well and taking care of your health, it become a lifestyle and hopefully way of living that you realize is important to maintain.

Start by making everyday decisions to improve and maintain fitness. Even if they seem small or insignificant, all these small choices add up and eventually become your unthinkable routine. It is best to set realistic goals and be patient with yourself knowing that it will not become routine overnight. It takes hard work, but if you really commit to yourself, you realize it is worth it. 

You can start by trying to incorporate more movement into your day. The next time there is a line at the elevator, make the decision to take the stairs. If you have a long work call, could you be taking a walk while you take this call? If you are meeting up with a friend, could you be doing something active instead of just sitting--- take your coffee for a walk! Keep track of how much sitting you are doing throughout your day and try to either stand or move around more frequently.

 You will always make time for something that is important to you. Schedule your workouts in advance and commit to them as if they were a work meeting-- only canceling if you really must. Try to exercise with a friend or family member and hold each other accountable for showing up. You must enjoy the workout otherwise you will create excuses to not commit.  Take the time to try different types of workouts and find what you enjoy most; there is something for everyone. 

 Now with the pandemic, there are so many at home workout options.  You don’t need to buy fancy equipment or machines, there are numerous body weight exercise programs that only need a small amount of cleared space.  These workouts are either for a small price, or for free, and you can access them at any time.  Find thirty minutes in your day to workout, whether its cutting into tv time or social media time, there is no excuse. Everyone can find these 30 minutes in their day.

Once you commit to exercising regularly you will start to feel (and see) the benefits.  When you realize that your hard work is paying off, it will motivate you to continue.  It can be addictive! The endorphins produced from a workout improve your mood and energy, which will change your entire day, and eventually your entire life.