Exercise

We all know how important exercise is, yet how many of us actually get what we should out of exercising?  I know I don't.

We have to make it a priority, which I really struggle with just not having enough hours in the day.  I like my 7 to 8 hours of sleep.  I spend 1 to 2 hours commuting between home, work, and errands.  I spend 2 or more hours walking the dog, which does not count as exercise.  Then cooking, dishes, showering, reading...my day is full!

​So I sneak it in where I can...that counts right?!

I don't count walking my dog because he will walk and then spend 5 minutes smelling a bush.  Then walk slowly and lay on the grass for 5 minutes.  Not raising my heat beat any.

I try and sneak in what I can without looking like a crazy person on the side of the street.  Lunges while he's walking slow.  Jumping while he's smelling something.  While he's laying in the grass, doing sit ups or planks.  Still doesn't quite count as that cardio but a little mild circuit training couldn't hurt any.  

I strive to take the stairs at work, but 7 stories in work footwear...I need to invest in better work shoes.

A few years ago I saw a 30 day fitness challenge on Pinterest.  It was just squats and I didn't feel like I looked any different, but my friends saw a difference and would comment.  So it got me thinking, if I can do a schedule like that for 30 days and have it make a difference, then why couldn't I switch it up a little.  Its something I can do while dinner's in the oven.

Combine a mixture of exercises that you like and don't like.  Challenge yourself but also go easy on yourself.  Mix up the reps.  On days you're feeling good, push it a little harder by adding weights or a kettle ball.  Make rest days that are good for you - keep in mind what things you have going on, rest days don't always have to be the same day of the week.

Start simple to set goals you can easily reach.  Don't feel bad if you don't stick to it.  Make it up on a rest day or skip it all together and start fresh the next day.  Granted an hour of exercise everyday is recommended for type 1's, and this is not an hour...but...it factors into the hour, right?