Making Exercise a Priority

Much of the western world has cultivated a sedentary lifestyle. Because of technology much of our work is done at the computer, and much of our entertainment is done in front of a screen. Advancements in technology give us both benefits and hindrances, and we must change to compensate for both. We as a society have been quick to accept the benefits of technology, but we’ve had trouble adjusting to the hindrances, one of which is a lack of exercise.

We don’t have to milk a cow. We don’t have to walk to the store. We don’t have to till our own ground. Our daily exercise has been lost, which is why we have to create our own. Our bodies and souls were created to enjoy the vigors of exercise. Without it, we lack energy, stamina and mental sharpness.

We fill our schedules with busyness, and we think we don’t have time to work out. However, our priorities will always dictate their presence in our day. What we deem most important will inevitably make its way into our daily activities. Therefore, we need to understand the overarching importance of exercise to our health and quality of life, so we can make it a priority.

If we don’t feel good, we can’t fully embrace others and our destiny.”

To be sure, God will give us grace when we are sick, and that sickness is out of our control. However, there are repercussions to living a sedentary lifestyle that we are fully capable of avoiding if we were to simply add exercise to our schedule.

For an easy-to-understand guide to exercise and health, read my award-winning fitness book, Fearlessly Fit: A 6-Week Fitness, Food & Faith Bible Study.

 

The following are 8 tricks to add 30 minutes of exercise into a busy schedule. Make working out a priority, and I promise you’ll find a way to fit it into your day.

Trick 1 to Fit in a 30-Minute Workout: Wake up 30 minutes Early

I know this one seems basic, but it is one of the easiest ways to get your exercise done and feel good the rest of the day. Fasted exercise (working out before breakfast) can kickstart your metabolism and create a hunger for breakfast. Set your alarm for 35 minutes earlier. This will give you five minutes to get ready and thirty minutes to work out. Then you can jump into the shower like usual and get ready for your day. However, now you will feel energized and awake. Plus, you will have an important priority checked off of your to-do list, which will boost your confidence the rest of the day. Once you set waking up 35 minutes earlier as a priority, your body and mind will easily adapt to this healthy habit.

Trick 2 to Fit in a 30-Minute Workout: Combine your Quiet Time with your Workout

Many people aim to pray and read their Bible 30 minutes a day. Why not combine your workout with your prayer time? You can go for a walk and listen to the Bible on a Bible App or on Audible. Then when you’ve read (listened) to about 10-15 minutes of Scripture, you can switch to worship music and pray for your needs and for the needs of others. You can also worship the Father and let Him know how thankful you are for all of His blessings. You will be surprised at how being thankful and recognizing all God’s goodness will uplift your spirit.

Trick 3 to Fit in a 30-Minute Workout: Combine your Entertainment with your Workout

This one takes a little training, but soon you’ll be able to work out while allowing your mind to be entertained by a show, book, video, Podcast, etc. One of my favorite exercises while watching a show is to take a basic aerobic step and small hand weights. Then, I walk up and down on the step doing bicep curls with my hand weights for a 30-minute show or longer. But be careful! One time I watched an entire 2-hour movie while stepping, and my calves were sore for a week! You can listen to an audiobook while riding a stationary bike. You can watch a show while walking/jogging on a treadmill. The possibilities are endless!

*Read the rest of this article by purchasing my award-winning book, Reframing: 40 Days to Reframe & Refresh Your Life, on Amazon.