Finding Time to Exercise: It’s Easier Than You Think

Exercise 30 minutes a day?! When would I find the time?

The good news is you don’t need to work out for 30 minutes straight and you don’t need to work out in a structured environment, like a gym, to receive many of the health benefits of a formal exercise program. Although exercising moderately for 30 or more consecutive minutes three to five times a week is the best way to gain significant aerobic capacity and keep your weight in check, piecing together segments of activity throughout your day that add up to at least 30 minutes will reduce many health risks, help you feel better and give you more energy.

Try these activities, which use large muscles and get your heart pumping faster:

• Park your car at the far end of the parking lot.
• Garden, rake leaves, mow the lawn (use a push mower).
• Take on housework with gusto—vacuuming, dusting and making beds can be rigorous.
• Whenever possible, use the stairs instead of elevators and escalators.
• Take a quick, brisk walk on your coffee and lunch breaks.
• Ditch the remote control—walk to the TV like we did in the old days.
• Play with a toddler or an active dog.
• Pop in your favorite tunes and dance.

Whatever you choose to do to become more active, (insert COMPANY NAME) hopes you will add activities that are realistic and enjoyable so that they will become a permanent part of your routine. For help getting started, visit (insert URL) or call (INSERT NUMBER). So, the pressure to start a formal exercise program is off—and the challenge to add activity to your lifestyle is on.