Set Aside Just 5 Minutes a Day to Get Fit for Life
Cheryl McDonald
| 2 min read
As we age, it’s even more important to be physically active every day. And the common wisdom is to aim for at least 30 minutes five days a week.
Some weeks, that seems impossible. To help you find the enthusiasm to stick to that schedule, the Mayo Clinic’s fitness website has tips to help you out of an exercise rut. Or try the method that works for me: On those days — and we all have them — when you just can’t find the energy to do 30 minutes on your treadmill or bike, just lace up your shoes and commit to 5 minutes.
The interesting thing about the 5-minute plan is that when you reach the 5-minute mark, you’ll probably continue for a bit longer. After all, you’ve already laced up your shoes and don’t want to waste the opportunity. I usually wind up doing the full 30 minutes or more. I’ve found that this works almost every time, because as with most things in life, the hardest part is just getting started.
But, if you want to stop after 5 minutes, then stop. That’s the deal you make with yourself. Remember that 5 minutes really is better than nothing. And, as Scarlett O’Hara said, “Tomorrow is another day.”
Got a creative idea that gets you moving, even on “off” days? I’d love to hear about it.
Photo credit: HotsauceJane
