Fitness Diary :: Making Time to Exercise

I've been exercising a bit more this year, and a lot more recently. For the last few weeks I've actually been running 5 times per week, on top of my abs and arms exercises at home.

You guys know that I've been taking Korean language classes this year, and I'll be completing my basic course in a few weeks. It has been fun and very enriching, but I'm going to take a break to revise and soak it all in.

Also, I want to take up Muay Thai again :) I used to take classes with the boy and liked it a lot. It really pushes my physical strength to the limit and kept me really fit. With my current schedule, I can't fit in 2 personal enrichment classes per week away from family time, so I'm gonna start Muay Thai after I end my Korean classes. In the meantime, I'm building up my endurance again by going for runs and exercising more. You really need a lot of energy for those high kicks and powerful  punches!

I run in the evenings on weekdays, and while Lil Pumpkin naps during the weekends. Sometimes the boy and Lil Pumpkin will join me on my evening runs too so it gets to be a family thing where we all exercise and stay healthy together :)

At first it was really hard to get my butt off the couch and to get my body moving. Especially after a hard day at work, or if we get home late. However, the boy has been really supportive and reminds me of my 30 before 30 goals. I'll write an update on the list soon {!!} but there's one goal there to lose 5kgs haha. The boy helps to look after Lil Pumpkin while I run, and will tell me to "just go and run!" if I complain to him that I'm tired and it's already 9pm. Exactly what I need to hear ;p

Don't worry, I only run in lighted areas and surprisingly, there are actually a lot of people exercising at that late hour so it's rather safe. I guess that's the time when most busy adults can make time for exercise.

And yes, we all should make the effort to make time for exercise. More than about losing weight, it is about our entire well-being. "No time" is not an excuse. If we have time for television, time to socialise online, time to shop... we have time to exercise. If we don't, do we have the time to deal with health problems from living a sedentary lifestyle?

I feel even more alert and alive, rather than tired, after my runs. Each time I run a bit further, I feel pretty accomplished because it's a case of mind over matter. So fantastic and I'm glad I made exercising part of my schedule now, rather than doing it "if I have time". If you need more encouragement to make time for exercising, here are 5 quick tips:

1. Schedule it in
Decide when's the best time for you to exercise and schedule it in like a meeting so it doesn't clash with other appointments. For me, it's weekday evenings and weekend afternoons. Maybe it's mornings or lunchtime for you. Stick to your plan and it will soon become a regular routine.

2. Start small
You don't need to commit 1 hour a day. Start small, e.g. a walk up the stairs or getting down the bus 2 stops earlier to walk back, and slowly build up your exercise time. I started with just 10 mins runs, to 20 mins runs 5 times a week now.

3. Do from home
Don't worry about joining a gym or having expensive equipment to exercise. There are so many fun and free activities to do, even from home! While watching TV, do some crunches, squats or push-ups. Pick up a bottle filled with water and do some arm lifts. Check out some of the home-based workouts here.

4. Get the kids involved
Run and climb with your kids at outdoor play, rather than sitting by the side with a book or chatting with the other parents. They are such energiser bunnies and will sure get your heart racing! Do some arm-lifts when carrying your baby, and go for more stroller walks or family hikes. I'm sure they will enjoy these active family time with you, like how Lil Pumpkin loves to exercise with us!

5. Have a cheerleader 
Sometimes it's easy to start, but to keep going can be a killer. Have someone to support you emotionally and motivate you when the going gets tough, like what the boy is doing for me. It can be a friend, spouse, or maybe an exercise group in your area like at the community centres.

Remember, doing something is better than nothing!!! :) If you're having regular exercises or runs, let me know and we can be {virtual} exercise buddies too!

Follow my Fitness Diary posts here or on Instagram {#AiFitnessDiary}.

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