Are you fit enough to enjoy your life and live it to the max? If not, then now’s the time to take action!

When you’re fit and well, you have enough energy to achieve your dreams and live life to the full. Yet, despite the amazing benefits of keeping fit, many struggle committing to a health programme, citing lack of time as the main drawback. But looking after your health and well-being is one of the best investments you can ever make and, fortunately, there are plenty of fun ways to stay in shape on a day-to-day basis that equates to time well-spent.

Fitness experts generally advise that we need at least three 20 minute aerobic exercise sessions a week to be fit and safeguard health. With the proliferation of fitness centres, personal trainers and exercise classes, there’s certainly more choice to work-out, but a commitment to getting fit doesn’t need to take place at the gym! There are many activities which you can include in your daily routine that are less regimented and which will contribute to your overall fitness and well-being.

The truth is that most successful people `make’ time for their health and fitness. They invest in themselves because they know that their well-being is important to their work, achieving goals and maintaining quality of life. Some do go to the gym and find the environment perfect for their needs but others dedicate time each day or every few days to activities that they enjoy such as walking, dance, martial arts, cycling, swimming, running and so on.

When you particularly enjoy an activity, it’s easier to make time for it. What’s more, the activity isn’t regarded as a chore!

The benefits of keeping fit will soon become clear and include:

• Enhanced energy levels
• Heightened sense of wellness
• A clear, more focused mind
• Greater ability to cope with stressful situations
• Improved posture and body shape
• Higher resistance to illness
• A positive, relaxed, youthful outlook.

Fitness is much more than keeping in good exterior shape; keeping fit has a profound effect on the mind and spirit as well as ensuring correct internal functioning. But, what do you do if you’re seriously time-challenged? What if you’re already juggling career goals, work and family life and can only visit the gym or engage in your favourite activity once a week or less? Well, some exercise is better than nothing at all but, obviously, including some physical activity in to your daily routine is preferable and conducive to enhanced well-being.

So, here are a few suggestions on how you can maintain fitness even with the busiest lifestyle:

1. Do what you enjoy! It’s pointless forcing yourself to a gym regime if the atmosphere doesn’t inspire you. You’ll have far more success maintaining a physical activity that you actually enjoy, whether it’s walking, running, swimming, cycling, dance or even kickboxing.
2. Leave the Car at Home. We often rely on the car for the shortest of journeys when a brisk walk or cycle ride is kinder to the environment and gets your circulation pumping. So, leave the car on the drive and let your feet or bike carry you. It’ll help burn some extra calories too.
3. Take the Stairs. Lifts and escalators are a no-go area. Take the stairs at every opportunity to work on your cardiovascular fitness.
4. Be Flexible! If you work in front of a computer, be mindful of your posture and take regular breaks to stretch your muscles and move your joints. Muscle and joint flexibility is essential for keeping you mobile, so don’t neglect these exercises.
5. Take a Walk. Use your break time to take a brisk walk and gain some fresh air. This will clear your head, improve your circulation and raise your energy levels.
6. Do the Chores. Housework might not inspire you but you can exercise while you clean-up. Hoover, clean the bathroom and change the bed linen, etc. This involves stretching and movement which will burn calories and keep you mobile.
7. Play! Combine family-time with activity. Go to the beach or the park and reconnect with the child within. Run, play ball and have fun. Movement, fresh air and spending quality time with the ones you love are a great investment in your well-being.

Be really creative with your fitness routine and grab every opportunity to shape up and re-energise. Plan your day wisely so that you never waste a single moment. When you invest time in your health and well-being, you’ll be taking the first positive steps to a healthier lifestyle.

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