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March 10, 2021One of the most common reasons people give for why they don’t regularly exercise is that they don’t have time to do a full workout every day.
We get it; we are all pressed for time – doing a million different things at once.
But exercise is something that has so many benefits for our physical and mental health that making time for it should be a priority in all of our lives.
And the good news is, you don’t have to devote an hour a day to working out – at least not all at once. Breaking up your exercise throughout the day can be just as beneficial for your physical and mental health as doing one singular session!
It’s true! And the better news is: You don’t even have to engage in super strenuous exercise to reap the benefits.
You can improve your health and fitness by breaking up your exercise into short bursts during the day.
So, how do you go about this? Here are some ways to make physical activity a part of your daily routine.
Set a schedule for exercise
Humans are masters of the routine, so if you set a schedule or routine for your mini-workouts, you are more likely to do them. Start first thing in the morning with a 10-minute burst of exercise. A short yoga flow, some squats and lunges, take Fido around the block at a moderate clip. These things all count!
Set reminders in your phone so you don’t forget or tag it onto something you already do. For example, do your squats when you brush your teeth (or right before or after if you are not that coordinated!).
Have an accountability partner
Do you have a partner or someone who lives in your house who can help motivate you? How about a neighbor or friend? If you are setting reminders in your phone, text or call your accountability partner so you both get your burst of exercise in.
Try something right in your home
We don’t all have the knowledge to know what exercise routines work best for our given level of fitness, but a good place to start is thinking about something you can easily do in your home – with or without equipment. Try holding a wall squat, or if you are a little more ambitious, maybe some step-ups on the couch.
Beacon Physical Therapy
At Beacon Physical Therapy, we encourage you to try fitting several 10-minute bursts of exercise into your day this month. Of course, if you want guidance on how to tailor your exercises to meet your specific needs, we’re happy to consult. We’d love to help you get more activity into your life – and in a way that keeps it safe and fun!