With warm weather just around the corner, now is the ideal time to start planning your work out routine. If you are not currently active or are looking to increase your fitness, consider the following tips:
One step at a time! Every little bit helps. Add in activity wherever and whenever possible, park further away from work or take the stairs during the day. If all you can find time for is five extra minutes, that is the place to start! Build up overtime and set small, manageable goals for each week.
Find a friend! Ask someone to join you for your spring training…a friend, family member or a co-worker! Exercising with another person keeps you accountable (it’s much harder to skip the gym if your friend is meeting you there), and can be a great source of encouragement. Working out with someone else can also help you find the time to be active in your current routine. If you normally eat lunch with a coworker, suggest you take a walk together as part of your break, or invite your coffee buddy to try a yoga class before your caffeine fix.
Choose activities that you enjoy! Exercise shouldn’t be a chore and you are much more likely to stay active if you are having fun. Do you like team sports, walking, being outdoors, dancing, swimming, yard work, etc.? Think about activities you enjoy doing and find a fitness program to match.
The key to exercise is actually doing it! Most of us know we need to be more active and yet we struggle to do so. Sometimes trying to figure out where to begin can be a daunting task. Just remember that every little bit of extra activity is good for your health and that all those short sessions can add up to positive results. Any activity is better than nothing at all!
Before starting any exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor.
This article was written for At the Table Nutrition by Jennifer Clune, BSc. Jen completed her BSc. in Kinesiology and a Certificate in Health and Fitness Studies at Simon Fraser University and is currently working in cardiac rehabilitation as a Kinesiologist. Thanks Jen.
