Health Gem

IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK . . .EXORCISE THOSE EXERCISE EXCUSES

DO YOU have exercise excuses? “Not enough time”, maybe. Or “It’s too boring”.

With spring in the air, now is a good time to clean out those old excuses.

If your day is so busy that exercise gets pushed to the back of the queue, try working more movement into your regular routines: walk to work, take the stairs instead of the lift, bring the kids to the park for a game of football.

Think about the non-essential time-hogs that can sap your evenings: mooching around online or collapsing in front of the TV doesn’t burn many calories. Could you spare some of that time to go to an exercise class, walk the dog or get out for a cycle?

If exercise is too boring, listen to music or an audiobook while you walk or run, or watch an interesting programme while on the treadmill or stepper. Nor should expensive gym, pool or class fees put you off: get an inexpensive fitness DVD or walk or run outside instead, where it’s free.

Exorcise those exercise excuses – your body will thank you for it.

CLAIRE O’CONNELL