Run for Your Life

While this title sounds a little dramatic, it is meant to highlight one of the biggest challenges we face today.  For many people, finding the time and motivation to incorporate some real physical activities into their day has become nearly impossible.  Recently, two studies were released that directly correlate physical inactivity with obesity.  While Trust for America's Health released a study showing Louisiana and Mississippi to have the highest obesity rates in the country, Bloomberg Businessweek released a study ranking Louisiana and Mississippi to have the highest rates of physical inactivity in the country.  We're not trying to pick on these two great states, but the correlation between the results of these studies can’t be ignored.

So what can we do to make sure we are getting enough physical activity in our lives?  Our day to day lives are hectic enough already, but here are some simple tips that will help you to fit some physical activity into your week.

Start Small – For many people, incorporating some physical activity into the lives seems daunting.  For people who simply don’t have the time to exercise, there are many ways to incorporate small amounts of physical activities into your day.  First, start your day with five minutes of stretching.  This will increase your circulation, flexibility, and even give you a little boost of energy to start your day.  Stretching routines vary from person to person, so I recommend talking to your doctor to see what they recommend for you.  Next, ban elevators and escalators from your life.  Take the stairs and walk as much as you can.  Finally, try to set aside 15 minutes of exercise time when you get home from work.  This could mean taking a short walk with your spouse or children to catch up on each other’s day, taking your pet out for a walk, or going for a short run.

Commit Yourself – Join a team or a gym.  We are more likely to stick with something if we are committed to it in some way and joining a team creates a social commitment that will act as motivation on those days when you just don’t feel like doing anything.  This is also a great way to meet new people and have fun while getting some exercise in.  Joining a gym with flexible hours will help you fit exercise into your schedule.  Also, knowing that you have paid for it will act as an additional motivator for you to work out and get the most for your money. 

Set Realistic Goals – Not everyone can spend 2 hours each morning running on the beach, but that doesn’t mean that you should give up on committing to some sort of exercise goal.  Decide what your schedule will allow and what your health goals are.  For many people, incorporating just small amounts of physical activity into their day along with a healthy diet will keep them feeling great.  Having realistic goals will make the overall process seem less daunting and easier to stick with.  Who knows, you may even find yourself enjoying it!

Consult with your Doctor – Finally, it is a good idea to talk with your doctor before making any changes to your routine.  Your doctor will be able to offer advice regarding any health concerns or conditions that you should take into consideration before increasing your level of physical activity.

I hope you guys find this helpful.  Feel free to share any ideas or suggestions you might have on this subject with us.