Do you exercise as much as you would like?

Scottish Widows has just released an annual Priorities of Life Index (survey of over 2000 people undertaken by Opinium) which says: "35 million Britains are unable to focus on their life priorities":

Priority	*Percent of people whose current priority level is less than* ideal**
Keeping fit	45%
Having fun	44%
Health	38%
Savings	38%
Holidays	37%
Job security	37%
Career	37%
Finanical security	35%
Friends	34%
Home	26%
Family	24%
Children/grandchildren	21%
Partner	20%

Are you one of the 22 million adults in Britain who say that they are unable to take as much exercise as they feel they should? You are not alone! In this newsletter we will look at 7 steps to help you get fitter, including expert advice from a personal trainer at the end.

Quick Quote

“Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” ~ Edward Stanley

Put exercise back into your routine

Create motivation - describe how you will benefit from exercise or enter an event. If you choose to exercise to fulfil a desire (to be lighter, able to run with the kids, healthier, clearer minded) rather than thinking you should do it, you are more likely to succeed. Doing a sponsored run, walk or other event is also extremely motivating
Decide what you enjoy doing. Many of my clients have started Zumba, dance, or a racquet sport. I am learning to ice-skate. Other clients have taken up yoga, walking, swimming or exercising with their kids (and don't just watch them!). Enjoyment is key to sustainability.
Find out where you can do this activity - do the research and find out what is available
Work out when you can do it. Make sure it fits with your schedule - on the way to or from work for example. Many gyms give you cheap rates if your child is in a class. If you do it first thing in the morning you will feel great all day!
Put it in your diary for the next 2 months as a regular appointment so that it becomes a habit (if you can) - make it sacred time. If you can't make it, move the time, don't delete it.
Find someone else to do it with - you are more likely to keep it up if someone else is there to encourage you
Bonus exercise - walk instead of driving and run up the stairs instead of taking the lift - I know you've heard it before but...

By the way, don't aim for 7 times a week as you are likely to fail and may give up altogether. Start doing something once, twice or three times a week and build up. Move slowly towards Tracy's rule of threes below, especially if you haven't exercised for a while.

If you can't find the time, give me a ring! I help people, both through coaching and through my time management courses, find the time for the important things - it is possible!

Why not share your new exercise with me on my blog - there's nothing like telling everyone what you are doing to create accountability! http://balancedmum.blogspot.com/

Current coaching

Last place left on time management course for businesses June 1st: I am running another course for small and medium sized businesses on June 1st which has attracted 50% funding from Skills Development Scotland: http://www.achievebalance.co.uk/services/time-to-achieve. Please let me know if you would like a place by emailing me on anna@balancedmum.com.

Flexible time management course for Mums: I am also planning another time management course for Mums and I am considering making it virtual (over the phone and pc). Please let me know if you might be interested, either in a face to face course, or a virtual course by emailing me anna@balancedmum.com.

Terrific Testimonial

"I am fitter, happier, more focussed, more organised and having more fun! You’ve empowered me to start living my life instead of coasting along being miserable. You’ve also helped an adult daughter and her mother become true friends, which is priceless. I wish I could get you for everyone I love." Naomi, London

Expert advice from personal trainer, Tracy Griffen

"My general exercise rule of thumb is the rule of threes: You need three cardio (pulse raising) sessions of at least 30 minutes continuously feeling puffed, three strength sessions and three stretching (flexibility) each week. The trick is that you don't have to do them all together or even set foot in a gym to achieve this, in fact many people find it more time effective to exercise from home. It's easy when you know how...

I find that the most successful exercisers are those who have found a form of exercise that they truly enjoy. If it's something to look forward to, you're more likely to want to do it. Schedule it in your diary and make it a priority. Get fit and enjoy it!"
For more great tips, sign up to Tracy's newsletter at www.griffenfitness.com

And finally

If you think that your friends or colleagues might enjoy this newsletter, please share it with them and/or give me their email address so that I can add them to the distribution list.

Big smiles, from