Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health.
It helps you stay strong, keeps your heart healthy, and lifts your mood. Exercise can help you sleep better, think clearer, and feel more energized. Best of all, you don’t need fancy equipment or hours of workout time to get these benefits.
Starting an exercise plan is one thing – sticking to it is another. Here are some proven ways to make exercise a lasting part of your daily life:
Start Small, Win Big
- Even 5-10 minutes of exercise counts
- Build up slowly as things get easier
- Don’t forget to celebrate your small wins along the way
Link Exercise to Your Daily Routine
- Try 10 squats while brewing coffee (my Irish Breakfast Tea steeps for 5-6 minutes, so you could also try doing 2-3 bouts of wall sits “the imaginary chair exercise” while your tea brews)
- Do counter push ups while your toast toasts, your eggs poach or your smoothie gets smooth
- Stretch, or get onto the roller while watching TV
Make it Fun
- Exercise to a mix of motivating music or a podcast
- Pick activities you enjoy
- Try different types of exercise until you find what clicks
- Join a walking group, exercise class, or exercise with a friend
Make it Stick
- Research shows that exercising 4x / week for 6 weeks is the minimum to form a habit
- Put workout times in your calendar, and treat them like any other important meeting
- Pack your gym bag the night before
Get Support
- Work out with friends or family
- Join group fitness classes
- Find an exercise buddy
Need Help Getting Started?
As physical therapists, we’re experts in movement and exercise. We can help you:
- Create a safe exercise plan that fits your needs
- Work around any pain or physical limits
- Learn proper form to prevent injury
- Build strength and flexibility safely
- Find apps that can help you succeed
- Recommend products – from shoes to nutritional supplements
Whether you’re completely new to exercise or getting back into it after a break, we’re here to help. Don’t let pain or uncertainty hold you back – schedule a visit to start your exercise journey the right way.
Remember, the best exercise plan is one you’ll actually stick to. Start small, build slowly, and focus on consistency over perfection. Your future self will thank you!
