by Michelle Wilkinson

Created on: May 24, 2009

Anybody can fitter if they want to; the trouble is that too many people prefer to fall back on excuses. The most common excuse that people seem to use for not exercising is that they don't have enough time, as though they some how have to justify why they fail to get enough exercise. The only person they have to justify their lack of physical activity to is themselves, since it is they who are missing out on the benefits of being more active. They might lead busy lives, but if they don't look after themselves the chances are that their health will catch up with them eventually. It is therefore crucial that people re-evaluate their priorities if they want to live longer, healthier lives.

It is recommended that adults take part in moderate-level physical activity for at least half an hour, five days a week, and so that is the very minimum which individuals should be looking to incorporate into their schedules. They don't even have to do their half-hour of exercise in one go, although it is preferable, so long as they get moving, and increase their heart rate whilst doing so. There are activities, such as skipping, which can be very effective workouts and which do not involve spending hours at the gym. Skipping is often an overlooked physical activity, but it has many qualities to recommend it as it is cheap, can be done at home, works your arms and legs, and burns a significant amount of calories. It is also an activity which you can get your kids doing, as well, and it can be done at anytime of day.

Some people find that the only way they can take regular exercise is if they get it over and done with, and so decide to get up earlier in the morning in order to go for a run or a swim or to the gym. Exercising in the morning does have advantages since it can leave you feeling energised, and exercising before you eat breakfast can help burn extra fat. You don't even have to leave the house if you are prepared to invest in some exercise equipment or to formulate your own workout routine. It could be as simple as running up and down your stairs (although you might want to do it quietly to avoid waking up the rest of your family!) Other people may prefer to exercise when they return from work, but as long as individuals are prepared to exercise regularly it doesn't really matter what time of day they do it.

Incorporating more walking and cycling into people's lives could help them to exercise and save money at the time, if they decide to use their legs to get around rather than their cars. It can take slightly longer to get where you want to go, but the benefits generally outweigh the negatives, and the fitter you get the faster you will be able to go, anyway!

For those really struggling to make time for exercise there is always the option of making everyday activities more physically demanding, so that vacuuming or cutting the grass makes you sweat and get a little bit out of breath. It is not ideal, but it is better than doing nothing.

Nobody can force you to exercise; it is something you should want to do, because of the health benefits associated with being fitter, and you may find that once you get into the habit of exercising you will want to carry on with it, and it will be less difficult to make time to do more.

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