We all know exercise is good and that being active is important. We all know we should be doing it. Even though we know, sometimes it just doesn’t happen – and then it continues to not happen for months or years. After spending months or years off the exercise train, how do we get back on it? Especially when we start to throw in life stressors like a low budget, little time or living in a not so safe neighborhood? Tatiana Maida, Healthy Choices Department Manager, offers a few things to consider to make exercise work for you and to get you and your family out and moving again at your level!
Start Simple
Starting to exercise again can be intimidating – don’t think you have to run a marathon right out of the gate. Start with simple activities, such as walking, biking or a dance class. Find something you like to do that gets you up and moving without scaring you out of starting in the first place.
10 minutes
10 minutes of movement is a great place to begin. Start by walking, biking or doing your exercise of choice for just 10 minutes. Once you feel good with 10, bump yourself up to 15 – then 20. The level you are at is the right level. Feel comfortable there until you are ready to add more!
Make it a habit
Once you decide to get moving, keep moving. By making it a habit it will gradually become easier and more enjoyable. Schedule your exercise for a moment that you know will work out the majority of the time. If you have to constantly re-arrange to make it work, you are more likely to let it go.
Involve your family and friends
You’re not alone! Create a social support system for yourself by inviting friends and family to join you. You are more likely to stick with it with a friend by your side. By involving your kids, you are not only getting them up and moving, but you are modeling healthy behavior and showing them the importance of being active.
Get outside and feel the fresh air for free
You don’t need to join a gym or pay a lot of money to exercise. Use exercise as a way to enjoy the outdoors. Explore the parks and natural environment of your neighborhood. Breathe in some fresh air with your kids and feel the sun on your face.
Have fun!
Think of exercise in a different way. It’s a space to have fun, communicate and connect with your family and friends! It’s a time to enjoy each other’s company and become more involved with your community and neighbors. Take the pain out of exercise and replace it with fun, family and friends!
Exercise is possible in your life. Know where you are and start there – you’ll be surprised to find out how much you, your family and your friends will enjoy it!
Interested in joining a walking or biking club on the South side of Milwaukee?
Sixteenth Street’s Healthy Choices Department, along with Latinos por la Salud, offers fantastic weekly Walking and Biking Clubs all summer long!
Walking Club Schedule
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Bicycle Club Schedule
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Contact Tatiana Maida at 414-897-5187 or tatiana.maida@sschc.org for more information!