Here's some advice about putting more exercise in our lives each day.
Exercise helps us to think more clearly, feel better physically, and once done,
gives us a great sense of accomplishment which carries through to other activities.
Looking and feeling great helps our self-esteem too.

Although the article is reprinted from the July/August, 2006, MomSense Magazine and is geared toward young mothers, I thought the time-management tips and help to overcome obstacles would be applicable to anyone!

- Bet

Working It Out - Health Matters - by Carrie Carter, M.D.

Q: With my busy "mom" schedule, I can't always find the time to exercise. And when I do work out, I often feel bored with my routine. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Moms everywhere can relate to your exercise dilemma, since motherhood can consume every minute you have, and the last thing we want to do when exhausted is take time to fit in boring exercise!

Why Find the Time?
But there are big reasons why exercise is beneficial. If you spend even a few minutes doing exercise you enjoy, you will relive stress, strengthen your body, bones and heart and likely get a "second wind" after an exhausting day. Want to lose weight? Exercise burns calories, revs up your metabolism and builds lean muscle mass. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn even when you are asleep. Plus, many other remarkable benefits await you that only exercise can provide.

Clear the Roadblocks and Myths
With these benefits to motivate us, what keeps us from exercising whenever we can? Here are many roadblocks and myths that block the way:

• No time - Commit to workout for just one minute each day. Then add more.
• It's expensive or complicated - It's as simple as a 10-minute walk or dancing at home.
• Ineffective unless exercise is 20-30 minutes straight - False! Short sessions combined are just as effective.
• Have health problems - Work with your doctor to find what you can do in bed or a chair when ill, pregnant or disabled.
• Too out of shape - It's not too late if you're still conscious and breathing! ANY bit of exercise helps.

Enjoy Exercise
What about "Exercise is boring?" If this is your belief, it means you've not yet found the exercise that you enjoy! Exercise isn't supposed to be a life sentence to do activities you hate. The key is to find what activities you love to do and make these your exercise. You're on the right track if while exercising you think more about the fun or activity and less about your exertion.

Your Exercise Personality
What activities did you enjoy before motherhood? Were you a dancer? Liked rollerblading, swimming or bicycling? Did you play team sports or individual sports?

Honor your exercise personality: If you're competitive and run, train for a 10K race. If you're social and love dance, enroll in tap or ballroom dance classes with your spouse or a girlfriend. If you're low-key and social, try bicycle outings with friends. Check with your local recreation department or YMCA for various classes and team sports. Also, with DVDs/videos of everything from calming Pilates and Salsa workout to kickboxing, you can choose your fun and work out at home.

Gym Dandy?
Beware the lure of joining an expensive gym unless you know it will work for you. Perhaps it's the perfect retreat for you. Many have day care available. If gyms are new to you, ask about a free trial membership. Also consider lower-cost community gyms.

Well-Equipped
Similarly, before buying expensive home exercise equipment, be certain you'll use it. Inexpensive home equipment that I highly recommend to help you strength train includes: 5-pound hand barbells, resistance bands and a large exercise ball. Put the barbells where you'll see them and pick them up one to three times a day and do a set of arm exercise. The benefit will add up quickly.

You Can Do It!
There are plenty of valid excuses why many of us don't exercise regularly, but you can wipe most of them away if you:

• Do something that you love/enjoy when you exercise.
• Start where you are and add one little nugget of fun exercise to your daily routine, then expand from there.
• Break up exercise into short sessions throughout the day, and it'll add up to significant movement.
• Honor the fact that your health is important enough to make exercise a priority. (As your husband or friend to watch the kids.)
• Now let's go play!

Note: Please check with your doctor before starting a strenuous exercise program or if you have health problems.

Dr. Carrie Carter is a mother and national speaker on health issues. She served as a pediatrician for more than 10 years in San Diego, California and wrote A Woman's Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle (Spire/Revell, 2006)

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