Make a Resolution to Exercise

According to the Mayo Clinic there are seven main benefits to regular exercise. They include: Strengthening your cardiovascular and respiratory systems, keeping bones and muscles strong, managing your weight, preventing or managing diabetes, easing depression and manage pain and stress, reducing your risk of certain kinds of cancer, and better sleep.

Despite these proven health benefits, about 70% of Americans do not exercise regularly. There are many excuses; most of them pretty good, for why we don't exercise. We don't have enough time. Maybe our small children are keeping us from a proper exercise routine. Possibly the cost of a gym membership or other kinds of exercise equipment is cost prohibitive for you.

Everyone should be able to fit exercise into his or her schedule. At first, fitting an exercise routine into your schedule may seem like a sacrifice of time, but the benefits will be so amazing, you may soon be wondering how you got through a day with out an exercise routine. Here are a few tips for creating a successful exercise routine.

What will you do?
What do you enjoy doing? OK, sitting in front of the TV doesn't count! Maybe physical activity is not your strong suit. Instead think of what you CAN do. Can you walk, swim, jog, or do aerobics? Decide what kind of activity you would enjoy and you will be much more likely to stick with it as part of your exercise routine.

How will you do it?
Schedule your exercise, just like you would schedule an appointment. Find a time in the day where your chosen activity will fit, write it down and keep your appointment. Will you exercise with a friend or do it alone? People who exercise with a friend are more likely to stick with their routine. Set small goals and modify them over time. This will allow you to experience success and will be a motivation to keep exercising.

Will You Go to a Gym?
Many people think the only way to exercise is by having an expensive gym membership. In reality, much exercise equipment is fairly inexpensive. Some you may already own. A pair of tennis shoes is all you need to go for a walk. Your local library will probably have exercise videos to check out. Small dumb bells, jump ropes or exercise balls can be purchased at sports stores and possibly found second hand. A gym membership is one way to exercise, but it's not the only way.

When will you do it?
Studies have shown that people who exercise in the morning are more likely to stick with their routine. If the morning doesn't work for you, look at a time in the evening or even in the middle of the day.

What will you do to overcome obstacles?
What things could possibly keep you from exercising? Do your kids protest when you try and do an exercise video during their favorite kid's program? Do you work 12 hours a day? Do you have physical limitations? Plan ahead so that you won't get discouraged when you run into an obstacle that keeps you from your exercise routine.

With a little planning and dedication, you will soon be on the road to better health. Not only will exercise benefit you physically, but you will also benefit emotionally with lower stress levels and even a happier outlook on life.