How To Balance And Maintain Exercise Habits
Contents
Overview
Choose exercises that you enjoy and can easily fit into your day. Many people do yoga at home to save time and work around a busy schedule.
Home equipment may include a treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical or weights. Exercise can also be as simple as walking near home or in a park, or dancing in the living room.
For health benefits, the CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on 2 or more days.
Jumping rope, cycling, mini-trampolines, rollerblading and resistance bands all work well and cost little. Many people listen to music or audiobooks, or watch a favorite show, while they exercise. If that keeps you going, use it.
Personality is also an essential factor to consider when making exercise choices. Some people like to exercise as a group to motivate them to practice. Working out alongside other people at a club or class may push you to work harder, or at least make it harder to skip.
Some women feel more comfortable at a women-only gym.
Many people prefer team sports, like softball or basketball, or competitive sports like golf or tennis.
If you still find it hard to stay motivated, consider sessions with a trainer at a gym or at home. Or find a friend with similar interests to exercise with.
Exercise can improve your balance, stamina and overall health. The key is to find something that fits your schedule, personality, fitness level and comfort.
Here are some ideas to add more activity to your life:
- Walking.
- Running.
- Jogging.
- Cycling.
- Mini-trampoline jumping.
- Weight lifting.
- Swimming.
- Doing Yoga.
- Belly dance.
- Climbing mountain.
- Playing hockey.
- Playing table tennis.
- Folk dancing, etc.
How to start?
Before you begin, you may need workout clothes, training shoes, some equipment at home or a gym or other place to exercise. Set yourself up for success by removing each barrier.
Make sure you have the right training shoes. They should support your feet and the way you move. If bending to tie laces is hard, try slip-on shoes.
Invest in equipment if you can afford it. A treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike or other cardio machine lets you exercise in any weather.
Weights help build strength. Fitness balls, exercise bands, steps and other gear can keep things interesting.
Make a playlist of songs you like for walking or jogging. If you use a home machine, set it up where you can watch TV.
Find something that makes your exercise time more fun. Plan a specific time and place to exercise, and lay out your workout clothes the day before so you can start right away.
Where to start?
Many people find it hard to make time for exercise. Exercising at home saves travel time. A morning walk before your usual shower means no extra trip to the gym.
Use a treadmill at home, or walk in parks, shopping malls, school tracks or gyms. For some people, paying a gym fee is motivating because they don’t want to waste the money.
When to start?
Some people find it easier to stick with a plan when they exercise in the morning, before the day’s demands get in the way. The best time is the one you can keep.
You can also take a 15-minute walk after lunch or dinner. If vigorous exercise late in the evening keeps you awake, finish hard workouts a few hours before bedtime.
Exercise and antihypertensive drugs
Certain blood pressure medications, such as beta blockers, can change how your heart rate responds to exercise. Ask your doctor which exercises and intensity are right for you.
