Tips to Help Overcome the Barriers to Exercise
Time:
Plan ahead and make physical activity a part of your
daily or weekly routine. Schedule it and write it on
your calendar. Spread your activity out by doing 15
minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening
for your daily dose of 30 minutes. Ask your friends
and family to support you. Plan social activities that
involve exercise. Most of all, make it a habit.
Energy:
Schedule physical activity for times in the day or
week when you feel energetic. If given the chance,
physical activity can actually increase your energy level.
Motivation:
Register with Healthy Butler and be eligible to win
incentives for being active. Incentives include: iPods,
Running Shoes, and other great items to motivate you
to stay active. Join an exercise group, class, or
club. Check out the
YMCA, your local skating rink,
or an outdoor club. Check out the News section on our
Home Page for upcoming events that will get you motivated.
Check out local resources such as
250 & Fit.
Skill:
Select activities that do not require new skills,
such as walking, climbing stairs, or jogging. Exercise
with friends who are at the same skill level as you, or
take a class to help you develop new skills.
Weather:
Develop a set of regular activities that are always
available regardless of weather including:
- Indoor cycling
- Aerobic dance
- Indoor swimming
- Calisthenics
- Stair climbing
- Rope skipping
- Mall walking
- Dancing
Travel:
Put a jump rope in your suitcase and jump rope.
Walk the halls and climb the stairs in hotels. Stay
in places with swimming pools and exercise facilities.
Visit the local shopping mall and walk for half an hour
or more.
Family Obligations:
Hire a babysitter and look at the cost as a
worthwhile investment into your physical and mental
health. Try a new exercise DVD. Jump rope, do
calisthenics, or ride a stationary bike while the
kids are playing or sleeping. Try to exercise when the
kids are not around, such as during naptime or school
time. Encourage exercise facilities to provide childcare
services. The YMCA Play Place is a child watcher service
for children while their parents are using the facility.
Exercise as a family – what a better way to start a
great new habit!
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