Get Up and Get Active Now

There is Always Time for Exercise with Improved Time Management

Feb 12, 2009

Hypoactivity also referred to as physical inactivity is responsible for premature death, illness and a lower quality of life for thousands of people.

It’s been said numerous times before that exercise is important to good health. Exercise coaches, doctors, allied health professionals and the media have made it difficult not to be aware of the significance that fitness can play in nearly everyone’s life.

With all the information available, then why do many people remain overweight, obese and unhealthy due to inactivity? That is a difficult question to answer. There are theories as to why fatness has reached epidemic proportions, but to date there is no definitive reason that precisely explains why there are so many overweight and unhealthy people. A common excuse is lack of time, but lack of time is not a legitimate reason for lack of exercise; however, poor time management skills could play a role.

It is the perception of lack of time that is the culprit considering there are 168 hours in a week and a good exercise program may require only 1% of a person’s time.

Overweight needs clarification. One can be overweight and still be healthy. Many athletes fall into a healthy, overweight range. However, overweight people that are deconditioned may be carrying too much adipose tissue or body fat in unsightly places. Excess body fat often sets the tone for dreadful diseases such as diabetes, stroke and coronary artery disease to name a few. Overly fat athletes are also at risk. What’s more, carrying excessive body fat may lead to lower quality life, dependence, burden to others and untimely death.

Nearly anyone can improve his fitness. It does not take herculean efforts to get healthy and the motto “no pain, no gain” should be archived into the vaults of mythical history---especially for individuals that simply want to improve health through daily activity. Becoming fit is not necessarily easy, nor is it fun for everyone, but chances are there are many activities that nearly everyone can do to get his or her body in motion.

The U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, 1996 suggests people of all ages benefit from regular physical activity done moderately at least 30 minutes and preferably daily.

It makes no difference whether one is six or one hundred and six, able or less able---provided there are no diagnosed conditions where exercise is a contraindication---everyone can increase physical activity to improve health and manage weight. Whether it is washing the family caravan for cardio, carrying groceries for strength, or reaching for the paprika on the top shelf of the pantry for flexibility, making exercises out of common activities is a great start that requires minimal time.

Other excellent activities that can be done alone or with the family include walking, house cleaning or performing outdoor tasks such as gardening. A little creativity goes a long way. Gym memberships and Trainers can be extremely beneficial, but becoming more active does not mandate the services of anyone except the participant.

With patience and a desire to include more daily physical activity, improving health becomes an obtainable goal. So get up, get started and pass it on!

Anshel, M.A. (2006). Applied Exercise Psychology. Springer publishing Company, NY.

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