Journal of Novel Physiotherapies
Open Access

One doesn't need to be a gym aficionado to get enough exercise to improve your health. There are many ways to incorporate daily physical activity into your life, which will help you have more energy, better manage stress, lower your risk of illness and disease, and look and feel better! It's almost a foregone conclusion. However, the majority of us (roughly 80% of Americans) do not exercise on a daily basis. Many people say it's because they don't like it.

So, how can you stop being a hater and overcome your resistance to exercise? Here are some suggestions to help you incorporate physical exercise into your daily routine – and maybe even enjoy it!

Find your sweet spot

Find ways to exercise that suit your personality rather than pushing yourself to do something you don't want to do. Take a community dance class, join a recreational sports team, or start a walking group with friends if you're a social person. Connecting with your peeps is a great way to stay motivated and avoid working out alone. If you’re more of a lone wolf, running or swimming might be a better fit. And if you’re not a morning person, you’re not likely to get up at the crack of dawn to make a boot camp class.

Give it time

Giving yourself time to get into a daily routine is important because it can take a long time for a new practise to become a habit. One method is and try to exercise at the same time every day. In a good way, exercise can become addictive. You'll know that you aren't doing it once it has become a routine.

Build it in

Make physical exercise a part of your daily routine and lifestyle so it doesn't seem like a chore. There are many ways to incorporate fitness into your life without sacrificing other aspects of your life, such as time with family and friends. You'll all prosper if you get involved as a family. And if you can't picture life without your best friend, take the phone call for a stroll around the road.

Break it up

It's fine to squeeze in some physical activity when you have the opportunity. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, but if that is too much, consider adding two or three brief activity sessions on most days of the week. All adds up! You could start your day with a short yoga workout, go for a brisk walk after lunch, and if you commute by public transit, get off a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way home.

Never give up

Don't be concerned if you miss a day or a workout. Everybody has a hard time now and then. Just remember to reach it the next day. Also, if what you're doing isn't working, go over this list again. It's possible that you'll need to try a new activity or a different time of day. Never give up!