Why Exercise?
First of all, exercise provides a great number of benefits. Not only does exercise significantly improve health (cardiovascular conditioning, calorie burning, fat loss, strength and flexibility), it also provides significant mental health benefits.
Huh? Yes, that's right. Women who exercise regularly usually report significant mental health improvements. These include stress relief, decreased tension and increased self-esteem. Lots of women tell us that they feel better after exercising, even if they can't see immediate physical results. Is it the endorphins or just the rush of knowing you burned off enough calories to enjoy dessert without guilt? It could be both, but the important part is that you'll probably feel good about yourself after you exercise.
That leads us to the second important point. One of the best gifts that you can give your family is health. By exercising regularly, you're not only increasing your own health - and hopefully increasing your odds of sharing a long and happy life with them - but also showing them by example that exercise is important.
Today's youngsters spend very little time in actual physical activity. Television, computers and telephones have replaced outdoor activities, and there are more overweight youth today than ever before. When you give exercise priority in your life, you're sending a message to your whole family that this is important!
Finding the Time
So how can you find time for exercise? Today there are so many options that it's harder than ever to find an excuse not to exercise. Fitness clubs are often open 24 hours a day and many clubs offer high-quality day care for a small fee. Club memberships can often be obtained for a minimal charge, especially if you have health insurance (there are usually significant discounts for certain insurance policies, the incentive for their members to stay fit).
You can exercise in your home too, if you prefer. Videos such as "The Firm" offer aerobic and strength training in only thirty to forty minutes, with guaranteed results. You can buy Step Aerobics equipment, weights, and even high-end cardiovascular equipment for your home. Of course, if you're just getting started, you might want to start out slowly simply by buying or renting a few videos and then see what works for you. You can try step aerobics, low impact aerobics, kickboxing or even weight training in the privacy of your own home with a trained professional on video to guide you.
If you want to get out and exercise outdoors, the options are nearly unlimited. Bicycling, rollerblading, jogging, even fast walking can get you out - and active. Try walking around the block and carrying hand weights. Give cross-country skiing a go if you live in a cold region. Swimming is fabulous exercise indoors or outdoors, of course, and with a few basic steps, you can do water aerobics in any pool or spa.
Some women work out early in the morning, before their day begins. If you're married, ask your spouse to cover for you until you finish exercising. After all, he'll benefit from your improved health as well! Or, you can exercise late in the day. If you're home during the day, take advantage of the kids' naptimes (if applicable) to pop in a video and exercise…there will be plenty of time to clean later. Take the kids with you to the gym; the daytime classes are far less crowded than evening ones!
Make Exercise a Habit
No one is saying that it's easy to make exercise a habit, we are all extremely busy. Habits, both good ones and bad ones, have to start somewhere. So drag out your exercise shoes, check your calendar and make a decision. It's time to start doing something good for yourself. Why not start right now?
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