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Finding Time To Exercise

September 26, 2017
Lifestyle
man stretching legs before a run

Exercise gets the heart beating and the blood pumping. The result? A fitter, stronger body with increased endurance. For weight loss and maintenance, regular exercise means a more efficient metabolism and more energy throughout the day.

What’s more: Easing into a workout routine at home or in your community for free is becoming easier. In fact, there are often so many options that people feel overwhelmed by the term exercise because it can mean so many different things.

Start by looking for accessible spaces:

  • Can you designate a space in your house for your routine? This is often the most cost-effective and convenient option.
  • Can you take short walks in your neighborhood?
  • Is there a nearby green space with hiking trails or a walking path? The restorative powers of nature are amazing.
  • Does your area have a park with athletic courts or fields?

Having multiple locations that are available at a variety of hours will make finding an excuse not to exercise that much harder.

Plan Ahead

Once you have your locations selected, make exercise a daily commitment. It doesn’t have to be long! Start with a minimal 10 to 15 minutes a day. Once you make exercise a priority, you’ll see workout opportunities all around you.

Here are some tools and strategies to make it happen:

  • Download an exercise or fitness app on your phone.
  • Keep a daily exercise log. Track it in a daily planner, and you’ll be less likely to skip a day.
  • Team up with an exercise partner who counts on your commitment.

Writing things down is a great way to set your goals in motion. By having a written schedule for when and how you plan to exercise, staying in shape will be both realistic and achievable.

Matching Exercise to Recovery Timelines

Most patients can resume exercise as soon as two weeks after surgery. Initially, goals may be modest, with small steps like completing personal and household tasks. Every movement counts, and these can lead back into the schedule you had before your weight loss surgery.

Once you feel confident about completing those activities, you can add time and rigor to  ease yourself back into your exercise regimen. With the right mindset, staying healthy and active is always within reach.