Squeezing In Five Exercises A Week

Everyone knows that exercise benefits you both physically and mentally - but how can you make sure you're getting enough of it crammed into every week?

The experts recommend you get thirty minutes of moderate activity at least five times a week. Yes, five. It seems like a lot. It is a lot and no, it won't just happen - so you need to get off your rear and make a plan.

You need to choose an exercise and regime that is right for you rather than one that makes you want to do the following; a. Vomit b. Give up before you've started 3. Throw yourself off the nearest tall object.

If you really, really hate exercise the best activity is start walking. This doesn't mean going for treks but instead choosing to walk places rather than get in a car. I know it's tempting to say 'screw it', especially when it's raining but maybe choose a good playlist to listen to while you walk and take your mind off exercising.

You could also try investigating what is on in your local area. Phone around leisure centres or choose a trainer. In my area, there is an abundance of personal trainers offering an array of services with titles that boggle the mind and get the heart racing just by reading names like 'body sculpting' and 'boot camp workouts' so lack of choice is no longer an excuse.

Gyms are just as common as these days. It's hard to remember a time when they weren't infact but now there's at least half a dozen gyms in most towns. However, for every great gym there are probably a couple of not-so-great ones. Find one with staff that are friendly and helpful and, importantly, know what they're talking about and offers the right equipment and classes - it's not all about pumping iron - for you.

Try to make sure you start gradually and slowly increase the amount you're doing and the intensity you're exercising at. There's no point in doing exercise five times a week for the first week, then burning yourself out so you can't perform for the next three. Start at twice or even once a week and work your way up to five sessions.

If you're finding motivation is a real problem then pen the sessions into your diary. That way, 'being too busy' isn't an excuse. You've put it in there and dedicated time to it so get on with it. It isn't easy to get going but soon enough it'll be like second nature and you'll notice more when you don't go than when you do.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you remember to warm up and cool down, don't let your enthusiasm for exercise cause an in injury, especially if you're exercising alone or going for solitary runs. The importance of stretching and warming up before getting really into it cannot be underestimated. Once you are really into it, though, you'll not want to get out.

Tony is currently researching personal trainers in Tonbridge at http://www.feelgoodpt.co.uk/