One of the best ways to boost your chances of success with an exercise program is to choose an activity that fits your lifestyle. Lifestyle considerations include your schedule, budget and even where you live. Here are some things to consider when deciding what exercise is best for your lifestyle.
Health Concerns
Your health can have a significant impact on lifestyle and exercise choices. For example, if you have asthma you may want to limit outdoor exercise on unsafe air quality days. Instead, choose indoor activities such as aerobics or the elliptical machine. Likewise if you have joint or heart issues you may want to sign up for yoga or tai chi instead of marathon training. If you have health concerns, or are over 40 and new to exercise, talk with your healthcare provider before getting started. Together you can decide on an exercise plan that offers the most benefit without putting you at increased risk for health problems.
Personality Type
Some people use exercise as a time to sort things out. They may look forward to workouts as personal time to boost creativity or blast through anxiety. If that sounds like you consider activities you can enjoy alone like running, swimming, skating or cycling. Other people may think of exercise as a social outlet. If you are one of them go for an activity you can enjoy with a buddy or even a group. Ideas include rowing, team sports like softball and dance or exercise classes.
Schedule
There just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day. Perhaps you have offered your busy schedule as the reason you rarely exercise. News flash – being busy doesn’t mean you can’t exercise, it just means you have to plan well. Take a look at your schedule and plan exercise that can be broken down into ten minute increments. For example, you may have a session of jump rope or jumping jacks along with some squats and planks for a few minutes before your morning shower. Then you can work in a ten minute power walk at lunch and finally a yoga routine before bedtime. As the saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Work setting
Maybe you work in a very casual setting. If you do it may be easy to bike to work because you won’t have to worry too much about mussing your hair or suit. If you do work in a formal setting, take advantage of the company or local gym after work. If your budget doesn’t have room for a gym membership start a walking group among your neighbors or coworkers.
Neighborhood
If your neighborhood has few sidewalks or feels unsafe, consider an Internet or DVD workout that you can do in the safety and comfort of your home. This is also a great option if you are a parent and have trouble finding childcare to exercise.
No matter your lifestyle, weight or fitness level there is an exercise regimen that can be tailored to your needs. Do some investigating, experiment and get started. You’ll be glad you did.
