Regular exercise/physical activity isn’t something you “have” to do. It isn’t something you “should” do. It’s something you deserve to do. Exercise benefits your body and health, but it also benefits your mind and spirit. Similar to your need for healthy food and adequate sleep, you need and deserve to move your body every day.
Not maybe.
Not soon.
Not someday.
Yes. Now. Today.
At least 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week (1).
Here are some ideas for getting started. Or, if you’ve already started, use these ideas to find new ways to add exercise to your life. In the meantime, I’d love for you to share in the Comments about your experiences with exercise/physical activity and how you fit it into your busy life. Or about the struggles you face trying to fit it in.
And be sure to download this free printable of the “Not maybe. Not soon. Not someday.” graphic. Save it on your phone or print it out and post it as a reminder that you deserve to make time to move your body
And for more ideas for adding exercise to your busy life, check out my article on The Huffington Post, 10 Ways to Make Time for Exercise.
(1) Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
katbiggie says
Even 5-10 minutes is better than nothing if 30 mins sounds intimidating!
GC says
I agree – any time we can spend moving rather than sitting is worthwhile!
Gaye
Tamara says
Ah, you’re so right. I’m so guilty of just pushing things off for another day with lame excuses, “Well I’m not old yet.” “I have time.” Nope, it’s important NOW! In fact I want to exercise right now but it’s 10:30 at night! (excuses again)
GC says
Hi Tamara – It’s hard to get started. If I get off track with exercise, I find that I simply have to force myself to do it for a couple of weeks. Then once I’m back into the pattern, I don’t like to miss it!
Gaye
Holistic Wayfarer says
I hail from the Ladies Only Blog Share Link Party. We have lots in common. Looking fwd to browsing more.
GC says
Thanks so much. I look forward to visiting your blog too.
Gaye
Holistic Wayfarer says
Thanks for the support. I do my best to stay in touch with my readers. =)
GC says
Thanks.
Gaye
Holistic Wayfarer says
These might interest you….. =)
https://aholisticjourney.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/why-i-sweat-video/
https://aholisticjourney.wordpress.com/2013/04/05/youth-mma-belt-promotion-wrestling/
GC says
Thanks! I could use some self-defense training too!
Holistic Wayfarer says
=)
Went this morning.
Ugh….good pain. Lots of cardio mixed in.
messymarriage says
I exercise 3 to 4 times a week and my eyes kind of bugged out when I read “5” times a week. Not that I haven’t heard that encouragement before, Gaye, but it is hard to fit it in an already packed schedule. Maybe I could cut into some of my “leisure time” or “time with hubby” to go for a walk or bike ride more. But in the winter, I think it might be a harder fit. Thanks for always raising the bar and helping us along the way to do what is right for ourselves. You’re a great “cheerleader.” BTW, were you one in high school or college? 😉
GC says
Hi Beth – Ha ha – no, not a cheerleader. I’m an introvert – wrong personality for a cheerleader! I know – 5 times a week is hard. That’s based on the recommendation in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans that everyone should be active for at least 150 minutes per week. So 5 times for 30 minutes works, but so does 4 times for 40 minutes. I just want to encourage women to get up and move on a regular basis – if that’s 3 or 4 times a week, that’s great. The way I do it is by having a treadmill in the house – one of our best investments ever – so that I have no excuse related to the weather or inconvenience! I do other forms of exercise too, but when time gets tight I can jump on the treadmill for 30 minutes.
Gaye
Ana Wilde (@lvfromana) says
I booked myself up for a 5km race In August so I know I will have to train and I am following a plan I found in a book which increases fitness over twelve weeks from zero. It’s tough but I’m onto week 6 now so half way there (more or less). On the other hand, I’d also like to do yoga but I never find the time…
GC says
Hi Ana – I love the idea of signing up for a 5k as an incentive to get in shape! Yeah, I’ve thought about yoga many times too, but just can’t make the time. But, I do quite a bit of other exercise, so I’m going to be satisfied with that (at least for now!)
Thanks also much for stopping by.
Gaye
Honeybee @ Her Weight Loss Diary says
I need motivation pill to help me get off my lazy butt.
GC says
LOL – I often need that too! Everything I write, I’m writing it to myself as well as my lovely readers!
Gaye
Too Darn Happy (@kimahall) says
It’s not so much fitting it in for me as getting my “giddy up” in gear and actually beginning. I love to walk, but haven’t taken the time in quite some time. I am definitely a fair weather girl, and don’t like going out in the rain. I look forward to your next post. 🙂
GC says
OK Kim, I’m giving your giddy up a kick in the pants! Get out there and go!
Gaye