Regular exercise can help you feel better and live longer. So what’s stopping you? No matter your reason, there’s a solution. Get ready to stop making excuses and get going.

Excuse: I hate aerobics­. And weightlifting. And anything else that feels like gym class.

Get past it: Good news: You don’t have to revisit gym class. Studies show that lifestyle activities­ are just as effective as structured exercise programs in improving fitness. So walk the dog, do yard work, run up and down the stairs, or dance to your favorite music. It all counts as exercise.

Excuse: I don’t have time to exercise­.

Get past it:  If you can’t find 30 minutes in a row, break it up. Three different 10-minute activities are just as effective. Or scrub the bathroom for 15 minutes. Now you’ve already met half your exercise goal for the day.

Excuse: I’m too tired to exercise.

Get past it: Yes, it’s hard to get out of that chair. But if you do exercise regularly, you’ll actually feel less tired and have more energy. Studies show you’ll sleep better, too. Just start moving, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll perk up.

Excuse: I’m not at risk for heart disease, so I don’t need to exercise.

Get past it: Actually, by not exercising, you are at risk for heart disease­. An inactive lifestyle also increases your risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer.

Article from The StayWell Company, LLC

When you think of exercise, you probably picture activities such as jogging, cycling, or lifting weights in a gym. However, exercise can take many different forms. The goal is to spend more time moving. What’s more, your workouts don’t have to last for a full 30 minutes at a time. You can break them up into smaller chunks throughout the day, lasting at least 10 minutes. Here are 20 ways to sneak in more exercise.

1. Take a walk after dinner every night.
2. Turn up the music and dance!
3. Climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator.
4. Park farther away from buildings so you get in more steps.
5. Play a sport—join a local team and you’ll get in a workout while making new friends.
6. Do chores around the house that keep you on your feet.
7. Walk your dog instead of letting him outside in the yard.
8. Stand up and walk while taking work calls instead of sitting.
9. Hit the mall and walk, especially if the weather isn’t ideal for strolling outside.
10. Work in the yard—rake, weed, plant, or mow.
11. Skip the car wash and wash your car by hand.
12. Stay active while watching TV—walk around, jog in place, or do sit-ups.
13. Find exercise YouTube videos you enjoy doing at home.
14. Choose family activities that keep you active, such as going to the park, lake, or zoo.
15. Join your kids and go swimming at the pool.
16. When it snows, use a shovel instead of a snowblower.
17. Find an exercise buddy—a friend or family member who can help you stick with your plan, exercise together, and motivate you to live a more active life.
18. Go hiking at a nearby park.
19. Walk up and down the sidelines during your kids’ sports games.
20. Keep hand weights available so you can grab them and do a few reps any time, even while on the phone.

Article from The StayWell Company, LLC

You know you should move for 30 minutes each day. Or is that 60? And shouldn’t you be lifting weights and stretching, too? But when? This webinar will separate the myths from the facts so you can move toward better health.

Date: Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Time: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Cofrin Library, 7th floor, room 735

No need to RSVP – just mark your calendar to join us, and bring your lunch!

You could also participate in this webinar at your workstation if you prefer – please visit wellwisconsin.staywell.com and go to Webinars to register.

Wellness webinars highlighting various health and well-being topics will take place the 3rd Wednesday of each month. All webinars will be recorded and available to Well Wisconsin Program participants on the wellness portal after the event date.

To access the wellness portal, you must be an employee, retiree, or enrolled spouse/domestic partner enrolled in the State of Wisconsin or Wisconsin Public Employers Group Health Insurance Program.