We lead busy lives, and between school, work or spending time with family, it can be tricky to make time for working out, especially when first establishing a regular exercise routine.
But keep this in mind, particularly if your New Year's resolution is to start exercising more: “Exercise doesn’t need to be very complicated or time-consuming to be effective,” assures Dr. Rosa Pasculli, a non-operative sports medicine physician at Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center, head team physician for Emory University and a team physician for the College Park Skyhawks. “I always tell my patients, think about starting with something small and being consistent.”
Easing into a consistent workout routine can help build strength, confidence and ultimately a long-term habit of exercise. One of the easiest places to start? At-home workouts.
In her clinic, Pasculli encounters lots of patients who struggle with scheduling exercise into their calendars. “The biggest reminder I have is that exercise doesn't have to be all or nothing,” she says. “A barrier sometimes for people is thinking you need a full hour or two hours (of exercise), or you need to have access to a full gym with every machine.” She recommends carving out two or three days out of the week to dedicate time to exercise. But know that setting aside even 15 minutes a day for exercise could be equally as meaningful, she says.
