The path from couch potato to a more active lifestyle starts with just five minutes a day of exercise. Trainer Joe Decker explains how to go from not working out to exercising 30 minutes a day.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Lounging on the sofa is fine from time to time, but if you’re turning into a couch potato it’s time to get active. Just getting started is half the battle.
Before beginning, check with your doctor. Once you start, don’t set the bar too high right out of the gate! Try for just 5 minutes a day. Over time you want to work your way up to at least half an hour. But it doesn’t have to be a continuous 30 minutes. Shoot for doing something at least 3 days a week.
Some people believe that if you’re not doing vigorous activity like running a marathon, why bother? Wrong! The fact is that any physical activity counts, whether it’s walking, gardening, or playing in the yard with your kids. The key is to choose things you enjoy and keep moving.
Sticking with it can be the hardest part. To stay motivated, keep a log of your activityÑand post it in a public place or online, where others can also monitor your progress and cheer you on.
Teaming up with a friend or co-worker can also keep you on track. Consider signing up for a class together on, say, dancing or Tai ChiÑand make it a social event.
Don’t forget to warm up beforehand and stretch afterwards. That way, you’ll reduce the chance of an injury, which can definitely keep you from sticking with it.
If you feel too tired to work out, don’t let that stop you. Even I have to push myself on some days. Remember that physical activity actually boosts your energy, much more than lying around and eating snacks will!