Finding time for Fitness during a Pandemic
How do you find time for fitness when so many things are competing for your attention? It’s a
common problem. The good news is that as little as 15 minutes a day can start a fitness habit
and deliver health benefits! A study conducted over a span of 12 years has demonstrated that as little as 15 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a day can increase life expectancy. Every additional 15 minutes of exercise performed daily can further improve the health outlook of the participants in this study.
Try these tips to fit 15 minutes of exercise into your day:
Pick a time of day that works for you and stick with that time for fitness.
Perhaps it is first thing in the morning, during a break at work or in the evening after dinner. Think of it as a part of your regular daily routine. Treat fitness like showering in the morning or
brushing your teeth before bedtime.
Do something you enjoy!
People tend to make time for things they like. A brisk walk outside, a video exergame, a dance
workout to your favourite music, a simple stretch-and-strengthen routine you can do with one
eye on your favourite TV program – they all qualify.
Expensive gyms need not apply!
Some great no cost activities include cardio, strength exercises and flexibility stretches. It’s
important to vary these activities.
Why cardio, strength and flexibility activities?
Cardio activities are good for your heart, lungs and circulatory system. And moving your body
feels great. To get started, walking is the simplest cardio activity you can do. Strength exercises, such as biceps curls and pelvic lifts, focus on your muscles. Muscles help support all the joints in your body and your movement. Flexibility stretches are all about keeping you limber for bending, reaching and turning with ease. Most people don’t stretch their muscles enough and wonder why they feel stiff and sore.
Remember the benefits.
We make time for things we know will reward us. The rewards of physical activity are numerous.
Regular exercise can reduce stress, improve our energy level, improve your strength and
flexibility. Also, regular exercise can simply make you feel good about doing something for
Yourself.
Fifteen minutes a day can be the beginning of a habit that can grow and help you achieve your
fitness goals. You’ll feel good about fitting it in and that’s an important factor in your overall
health. Keeping active will help improve your physical health, increase energy and put a smile on your face. And once 15-minute activities become a habit – and they will in almost no time – you may want to schedule even more move-your-body time into your day. Check out the Activity Guide website at www.publichealth.gc.ca/paguide.
Author: Dr. Marco De Ciantis, D.C.