Everything that is worth anything likely comes with some sacrifices. Taking care of your health is no exception to this rule.
Canada's Physical Activity Guide recommends 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week. This sounds like a lot but it's only two and a half hours. There are 168 hours in a week. This amounts to less than 1.5 per cent of your week. Can you spare 1.5 per cent of your week to live a longer, healthier, happier life? Better yet, can you afford not to?
The number one excuse for not exercising is "I don't have time." So, my question to you is what are you willing to sacrifice in order to make time for exercise?
Studies have proven over and over that exercise is key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, extending life, managing stress and keeping many deadly diseases at bay.
Remember that two and a half hours a week is less than 22 minutes a day. Are you willing to part with a little sleep, that sitcom in the evening or lunch with friends to make time for exercise?
In reality, are you really "giving up" anything? Look at what you are getting in return. Exercise helps you feel energized, less stressed, have better focus and look and feel great.
In fact, exercise should be such a regular part of life that it shouldn't feel like you are giving up anything. Like showering. We would never think it was acceptable to say "I'm just too busy to shower. Maybe I'll do it next week."
It is a matter of figuring out what being fit and healthy really means to you. Is a longer, healthier, happier life worth sacrificing an hour of TV a couple times a week? I sure hope so.
"Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work." H.L. Hunt
Say it! Mean it! Do it!
