You Can Find the Time for Exercise

We all have busy lives and during the holiday season it seems to be even busier

It often seems we have little time for exercise. But we can - and should - carve out time to keep exercise a part of our lives. For health purposes, the minimum is around 150 minutes (2½ hours) of cardiovascular exercise per week and two strength training sessions per week. For weight loss and maintenance it may take more but during busy times we can maintain with the minimum and increase exercise after the holiday season.

Here's How You Can Sneak Activity into Your Days

• Every day set aside a block of time to be active
  Decide on a good time to devote 20-30 minutes for an activity you enjoy. If one block of time will not work, think about trying two or three smaller blocks of 10-15 minutes each.
• Replace less active blocks of time with active ones
  Take a walk in place of 30-60 minutes of watching TV (record your favorite show to watch at a different time) or instead of sitting and reading a book, read while on an exercise bike.
  
• Choose active options instead of less active ones
  You can do this throughout your day. For example, take the stairs (if able), park further away, take extra “laps”.
• Make it fun
  Do things to make this a fun time that can give you energy and look forward to enjoying the holidays. Put on your favorite music, enjoy nature or make it quality time with family. Every minute adds up to a “more active you”!