People that exercise regularly have more energy and lead a more energized lifestyle than people that live sedentary lifestyle. It is one thing to understand that you will feel better with exercise, but another thing all together to commit to changing what are sometimes long-held habits.

The Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA), of which Impact Health Niagara is a member, has an informative blog on its website that contains plenty of useful information for practitioners as well as patients.

This week we came across the blog “5 ways to get fit in 15” and we thought we would share it with you.

Whether you were active in younger years and gradually moved on from sports and fitness, or perhaps an injury took you out of the game, whatever the reason you are not active today, this blog will help.

According to the article, the CCA’s “Fit in 15” tool is a good, first step to developing healthy habits. It was developed by Canadian Chiropractors (experts in muscle and joint function) who recognize that it can be hard to find time to focus on fitness.

To get started the CCA offers these tips:

Distract yourself.

There could be a pleasurable activity you can do while taking those 15 minutes to get fit. Listening to music, watching a favourite game show, putting on some talk radio are all distractions that will make the 15 minutes fly by. People with distractions are more likely to stick with an exercise program than those without. It’s a fact!

Use the Buddy system.

Another fact is that having a workout buddy increases the chances of your staying active. Corral a friend or relative, a neighbour, your offspring, the family dog or even the neighbour’s family dog to join in your 15-minute walk or work out. Studies show that dogs very rarely say “no” to invitations to get active!

Keep a regular schedule.

After a time you will be looking forward to your 15 minutes. Schedule the time like any other appointment. What is the best time of day for you? Find that time and stick to it as best you can.

Don’t skip a day!

In our busy lives there are many other things to do than get fit. That is why it is important to change your routine slightly to accommodate activity. Consider your fitness as being the same as your daily shower, or breakfast. It should become part of your routine.

Change it up.

By varying your activities you will be less susceptible to boredom. The “fit-in 15” website offers ideas you can use, or come up with some on your own!

Visit the Fit-in 15 website. It is for people who want to become more fit, but have trouble finding the time. There you can build your 15-minute activities for a bunch of choices. There re even tips on how to make Fit-in 15 work for you!