Have you been wanting to start exercising and have made excuses of being too busy, not having enough time or having a physical limitation such as pain? Exercise is so important for your health that we have made it one of our 3 pillars for better health. The other two are good nutrition and maintaining the alignment of your spine and posture.

If you know you should be exercising and want to know the easiest way to make exercise a part of your daily routine, here are four strategies to help you achieve this goal. 

1. Time of Day.  Determine what time of day is best for you to be most consistent, such as early morning, lunchtime, after work, or evening. Pick an EXACT time and make daily exercise as routine as taking a shower or brushing your teeth.

2. Choose a Type of Exercise.  There are many to choose from, including walking, running, cycling, strength training, yoga, pilates, etc. Try to do two or three different types on alternate days.

3. How Much Time? Thirty to 60 minutes of exercise is ideal. Walking 30 minutes five days a week is a good start. Sixty minutes is better. There are some workouts that are very effective and only take 4 to 6 minutes!  

4. Other Exercise Ideas and Tips: 

Exercise with a friend or family member with similar goals.

Join a yoga, pilates, or other exercise class.

Walk for 30 minutes with a co-worker at lunch.

If you have a physical limitation, such as knee pain, that limits your ability to walk or run, try cycling or an elliptical machine for less impact (and check with us to see if we can help you overcome your limitations).  

If you want to begin a weight training program for the first time, it would be a good idea to work with a personal trainer. Be leery of trainers that push you too hard, especially if it causes pain or extreme discomfort. Check with us for a personal trainer referral.

Exercise really is a life or death decision. That is, if you want to extend your life. On average, people who exercise very little or not at all die sooner than people who exercise on a consistent basis. 

If pain is interfering with your exercise routine or a specific type of exercise, contact us. A few adjustments and some strengthening exercises may be all you need so you can begin and continue to exercise for a long, healthy life.