We all know that we need to exercise to stay healthy – check out our previous newsletter which describes the amount of exercise each age-level should get on a daily basis.
You may know you need to exercise and get your family active, but are you struggling to motivate yourself to get going? There are so many options and there are VERY FEW VALID EXCUSES for not putting your health first and getting out there.
Are any of these your excuse?
It’s boring or I just don't fancy it
Use your imagination and think out of the box – you don’t have to go running or to the gym to be exercising! If it’s not done sitting and it elevates your heart rate, it’s exercise!
Here are a few ideas:
Brisk walks while listening to music,
Cycling
Dancing
Obstacle racing
Gardening
Skate-boarding, roller skating
Playing catch with the kids
Doing agility with your family dog
Don’t like to do it alone?
Find a local boot camp, yoga class, or dance team to get group dynamics and encouragement.
I don't have time
Are you being honest with yourself? If you spend 30 minutes watching TV or playing video games at night you have time for exercise. Sitting at a desk all day, whether in school or at work does not need to be followed by sitting in the evening.
Find the time to get active; it’s always worth it.
I'm too tired
Working out actually gives you energy as your body produces endorphins and circulation is increased.
Experiment with different times of the day. It might make sense to get up 30 minutes earlier and start your day with exercise to increase productivity throughout the day.
Remember, your daily exercise does not need to be all at once to be beneficial.
I can't leave the kids alone
Take them with you! Go out into the garden and play on the RUSTICS jungle gym, play ball or chasing games.
Exercising with your children will reinforce the importance of exercise, create fun memories that they are likely to emulate when they become parents, and instil exercise as a regular behaviour.
It just doesn't work for me!
The key is to make it FUN so the behaviour is repeated. Don't give up if it doesn’t seem like fun to start with! Give it time. Behaviours aren’t changed overnight, and it may take several weeks before the activity feels enjoyable or part of your routine.
No matter what our age, we all benefit from exercise. Without it, we are adversely affecting our health, our long-term ability to move independently, and our children’s ability to balance healthy activity with sedentary behaviour.
Call it PLAY,
call it EXERCISE,
call it FUN,
call it whatever you like,
but make sure you make time with your family to get active. Your very lives depend on it!
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