How to Get Back into Your Exercise Routine

To those of you who made your New Years' resolutions to get fit, this article may seem a little behind the calendar. But as I see spring approaching, I'm getting motivated to get back into my exercise routine. Soon I will not have the excuse of cold weather (anything below 50 degrees here in LA) to stay inside and do "research "on the computer instead of getting myself out the door and taking a walk. Of course, I could pull out those workout DVD's collecting dust on the shelf. But, it seems rude to interrupt the cat's nap with that pulsing music and bossy workout guy yelling out moves. Maybe it is time to get disciplined and remember the reasons to stay fit.

It helps the brain.

The more efficiently your body moves, the less strain you put on your brain to perform its everyday functions. Is there scientific proof for this? I don't know-but I do know that when I am not gasping for air after my extensive search through the house, I can sometimes remember where I put my glasses.

It keeps you young.

I know I have read this somewhere. I question this one because the wrinkles seem to show up whether I exercise or not. So, I'll just aim for young-at-heart, rather than young-looking. It does bring on a sense of accomplishment to be able to keep up with the kids as they leisurely stroll through the mall.

It keeps your clothes from shrinking.

For years I blamed my washer for the shrinkage of all my clothes. It never occurred to me that my expanding torso was to blame for my ill-fitting wardrobe. It's amazing how I see myself in the mirror on a daily basis, and the extra pounds are not obvious. But a candid Facebook picture taken by one of my so-called friends reveals my situation not only to me, but to the entire web world. With this crazy recession going on, I can't afford to go buy a whole new wardrobe, so I must take the second option: exercise.

Now that the reasons have been brought back into focus, how do I work exercise into my daily routine?

(1) Walk instead of sit.

I love my computer time. I love my sewing moments. I teach piano for 5-6 hours a day. In other words, I spend a lot of time with my bottom on a seat. My new resolution is to spend more teaching time on my feet. The fun part of this activity is when the kids ask me why I'm pacing around the room while they play their music!

(2) Park far away.

My husband has already mastered this technique. Even if there is a parking space directly In front of the store, he can spot a better one ¼ mile away. I hope that when I am late for future appointments, they will appreciate the fact that I was taking a 10-minute hike across the parking lot to get to my appointed destination.

(3) Write it down.

I am not normally a list-maker, but it makes me feel more accountable when I see my to-dos printed out on paper. I am resolving to write down and make time for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day. (I think I will use a pencil.)

It has been said that it only takes 27 days to form a habit...26 to go...