The American Council of Sports Medicine recommends that in order to maintain health and reduce your risk of chronic disease, healthy adults should do 30 minutes of moderate cardio five days a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous cardio three days a week. But sometimes working that much exercise into a busy schedule is much harder than it sounds. Following a few simple tips can help ensure you get your workouts in consistently.
Get the Family Involved
Playing with your kids around the house can burn anywhere from 120 to 222 calories in half an hour, according to the Harvard Health Publications. But even if you don't have kids to challenge your fitness levels, working out with family members often provides the sort of motivation, accountability and support you need to work out consistently.
Get a Hobby
You don't have to exercise in the gym. If you pick up an active hobby like dancing or martial arts, you'll build muscular strength and endurance, challenge your cardiovascular system, and maybe even get some stretching in, too -- the three elements of a well-rounded fitness program. Better yet, you'll have so much fun that you might find yourself looking forward to working out instead of considering it a chore.
Play Sports
Organized group sports aren't just for kids. Consider joining an adult football, touch or flag football, soccer, softball, rugby or basketball team. This could be as simple as a group of neighborhood friends that get together regularly to play, or an organized league.
Seize Every Chance
Seize any chance to work extra exercise into your day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park as far away as possible from your destination, then walk in. If you'd like to visit with a friend, get together for a walk instead of sitting down for a meal.
Treat it Like a Job
If you find yourself at a true loss for exercise time during the day, reshuffle your priorities. Keeping fit helps you lead a healthier, longer, more independent life -- you can't afford not to do it. Write exercise time into your planner as if it were a business appointment, then give that appointment the same priority you'd give meeting with an important client.
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