If You Can't Exercise Regularly, Why Bother?
by Donna Theo
Don't be discouraged if you can't exercise as often
as you would like. Exercisers should try to at least follow the guidelines
for three or four days a week for 30 minutes, but if you can't, don't
let that stop you from taking even a single walk. It is possible to
improve your health even with a sporadic exercise program. A little
exercise is better than nothing!
It takes ten to twelve weeks of regular exercise to become "fit"
but your health can improve after even one brisk walk. One single
session of aerobic activity can decrease your blood pressure, increase
your heart rate, lower your triglycerides and improve your health.
And the health benefits will last for up to 24 hours after the exercise.
At one point in my life, all I could squeeze into my week was a
15 minute walk on a treadmill three days a week. I felt good about
getting even this amount of exercise though people around me told
me I was wasting my time. I ignored them and kept up the momentum.
Start exercising today and take one day at a time. Don't give up
or feel guilty if you miss a day. Just start fresh with the next day.
Instead of falling victim to I must exercise all the time or not at
all, do your best to exercise when you can and keep going!
© Donna Theo. Used with permission
Donna Theo is an AFAA certified aerobics instructor who teaches
many classes ranging from senior chair classes to high impact and
water aerobics. Her whole family loves fitness! On any given day you
will find her with her four children running, biking, hiking or doing
a myriad of other activities together. Donna also substitute teaches
in the public schools. In her spare time, she enjoys writing.
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