No Excuses

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Here is the latest Get Fit email from Dr. Jacobs.

So you're one of the millions whose New Year's resolution was to "get in shape." You begin with nothing but the best of intentions. You vow to go to the gym everyday and sweat off all the holiday cookies, turkey, and multiple glasses of eggnog. Visions of yourself pounding it out on the treadmill and weight lifting like a pro dance through your head.

And then it happens: reality kicks in. So what do you do?

Physical activity is often one of the first things to go when schedules get busy. However, staying active is an integral part of leading a healthy lifestyle. According to the Center for Disease Control, regular physical activity can help "control your weight, reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, strengthen your bones and muscles, improve your mental health and mood and increase your chances of living longer." As you can see the CDC doesn't mention anything about fitting into your skinny jeans. Leading an active lifestyle shouldn't be about getting a six-pack fast or losing 20 pounds in 20 days. It should be about creating a strong and healthy self.

So, how much physical activity is the "right" amount? The CDC recommends that adults get "two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week." However, finding the time can be hard. Despite the best intentions, promises we make to ourselves often get lost somewhere between the bio notes and empty Dominoes boxes.

The focus should be on finding activities you love and will be able to do for a lifetime.

It can be hard to get in the habit of regular exercise, but it must be made into a priority. Make a habit of going to the gym after certain classes and stick to it, workout with a buddy and keep each other accountable or sign up for a class. At the end of the day, it is up to us as individuals to take the resources offered and put them to good use.