Embrace a Healthier Lifestyle: How to Make Exercise a Habit

Make a commitment to yourself, and your well-being

At Saint Alphonsus, we know that keeping a healthy lifestyle can be hard, especially with busy schedules and many commitments. However, including physical activity into your routine does not have to be difficult or time-consuming. In fact, we encourage our patients to start with a simple and effective solution. Exercising at home.

Patients often share the same excuses for not doing physical activities. These include weather conditions, work-related fatigue, or the hassle of going to a gym. We believe that starting your fitness journey at home is convenient and accessible. No need to worry about external factors like weather or commuting. Just a commitment to yourself and your well-being.

We recommend starting with a modest 10-minute routine in your home. There is no need to drive to a gym or change into special workout gear. In fact, comfortable pajamas make for an excellent exercise outfit. They are loose and breathable. Perfect for at-home workouts.

Thanks to the internet, a lot of online exercise options are available that cater to different preferences and needs. Patients can find 10-minute walking routines, weightlifting exercises, Zumba, kickboxing, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), and dancing. There are seated exercises for those with back or knee pain or individuals who are wheelchair-bound.

Numerous studies highlight the positive impact of short daily exercise sessions. Just 10-15 minutes of exercise can enhance sleep quality, boost brain health, elevate mood, and contribute to better cardiovascular health. It also instills a sense of accomplishment, eliminating guilt associated with not exercising.

A 10-minute daily walk at home sets the foundation for a healthier lifestyle. Consistency is key. We recommend committing to this routine for at least 5 days. Once integrated into your daily activities, you can gradually increase both the duration and complexity of your exercises. The initial challenge lies in starting and maintaining consistency, but the positive impact on overall health makes it worthwhile.

We encourage our patients to prioritize their well-being by incorporating simple and effective home exercises into their routines. A small investment of time in the comfort of your own home can yield significant improvements in sleep, mood, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. Take the first step towards a healthier you. Start with just 10 minutes a day.

Dr. Shahla Walizada, DO is a Family Medicine doctor with Saint Alphonsus.