ADVICE FROM THE WELLNESS CENTER

We all know the importance regular physical activity in our routine and the positive impact it can have; however, even through though the advantages are clear, most of us still struggle to make it a priority. The most common excuse I hear is lack of time. So, to help you combat that and get moving, here are my five tips for fitting in fitness when life gets hectic.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
If you’re someone who can’t live without their calendar and needs to plan out every hour of the day, the solution’s easy. Schedule an appointment for physical activity and stick to it! Block off time on your calendar and make the commitment. Take a little time of your day to focus on yourself and you’ll be happy you did.

BREAK IT UP
You don’t always need a full hour to workout. You can get similar health benefits by breaking it up into multiple, shorter exercise sessions throughout the day. Walking 10 minutes, three minutes a da, has been shown be just as beneficial as one 30-,into walk. A little exercise is always better than doing nothing at all.

INCORPORATE CIRCUITS
Circuit training helps you accomplish a lot in a short time and improve muscular and cardiovascular endurance. Choose five to eight exercises, perform each one for a designated amount of time with short rest breaks in between, then repeat the circuit two to three times. The best part is you don’t need any equipment and can use bodyweight exercises when you can’t get to the gym.

DEVELOPE A SUPPORT SYSTEM
If you’re struggling to fit regular physical activity into your day and are finding it easier to skip exercise, then you probably need a little accountability. Find a workout partner or group to exercise with. This can be a great way to get back on track and keep things fresh. Becoming involved in group fitness classes, working with a personal trainer, or finding a workout partner will help hold you accountable.

HAVE FUN!
Exercise doesn’t have to be endless laboring on a treadmill or elliptical. It shouldn’t be something you dread. Find an activity that fits YOU! Enjoying your fitness activities will help you create lifelong habits and ensure that you’ll always make time for your physical wellbeing.

As the semester progresses and your time’s at a premium, I encourage you to give these tips a try. Staying on top of your physical health can make all the difference, especially when life gets stressful.