Be More Active!

We all know staying active and exercising regularly helps us stay healthy and in shape. Regular exercise staves off chronic diseases such as heart disease and high blood pressure; it’s even good for our mental health!

That’s what healthy living is about right? But some days, it gets hard to stay motivated to work out when all we want to do is sit on our comfy sofas and watch TV or play video games.

How to Stay Motivated

How do we stay motivated to exercise? Here are some tips!

Small steps, big benefits

Perhaps you’ve hit a wall — it’s the “crazy period” at work right now, or you’re busy helping your kids prepare for their exams.

Whatever the reason, those hour-long gym sessions are starting to seem like a chore and you’re not motivated at all to exercise.

The short-term solution? Rethink your idea of a workout — it doesn’t have to be long. If you’re unable to commit to an hour-long workout, go for a jog or a swim for just 20 to 30 minutes instead.

You can break your minimum 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week into bite-sized chunks by fitting small 15- to 20-minute workouts into your daily routine.

For example, exercise during lunch hour by going for a brisk walk in the park, or catch a breather between tutoring the kids and preparing dinner with a quick bodyweight routine.

Move on the Move for an Active Lifestyle

Go back to basics by adding more physical activity into your daily life. Set long-term goals such as being more healthy and short-term goals like walking 10,000 steps a day. Setting goals will make you feel more motivated.

Shake up your commute by cycling instead of taking the bus or alighting a few stops earlier and brisk walking to your destination.

Take the stairs to your flat while carrying the grocery bags filled with fruit and vegetables. Put in more effort when doing household chores (you’ll burn calories and also make Ma happier).

And go brisk-shopping: brisk walk along Orchard Road (try to hit the trinity of MRT stations: Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut), or at the larger malls like IMM or Vivocity.

You’ll achieve your physical activity goals in no time!

Those Who Move Together, Stay Healthy Together

You’ll feel more motivated to work out when someone is sharing the gains with you.

Ask a colleague to brisk walk with you to lunch and exchange the latest office gossip.

Keep up with 10 minutes of brisk walking every day, and by Friday you’ll reach one-third of the recommended minimum 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, from this activity alone! No sweat.

And exercise with your family after work! Bring Ma, Pa, and the kids to enjoy a few rounds of family Frisbee or badminton at the neighbourhood park or sports centre. You’ll get to spend time with the whole family and also get them to try healthy lifestyle activities!

Make your weekends with friends sporty too. Call up your army kakis or girlfriends and head to Coney Island for a cycle and picnic. Alternatively, book a field or court to play some team sports, like football or netball.

Out with the old, in with the new

If your exercise routine is starting to get old, try something new and exciting to pump up your enthusiasm. Finding the motivation to exercise is part of the process.

Check out these free activities and classes, from Zumba near your workplace to aerobics at your neighbourhood mall.

Do consult your doctor before starting any exercise regime, and practise caution when exercising. Remember, safety first!

Download the HealthHub app on Google Play or Apple Store to access more health and wellness advice at your fingertips.


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