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| April 2009 |  |
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he Prevention Research Center at the University of South Carolina has found
that walking for 30 minutes five times a week or jogging for half an hour three
times a week can reduce your risk of stroke by 40 percent. “Stroke risk dropped dramatically at an aerobic fitness level that was actually very modest,” said Steven Hooker, Ph.D., director of the Center and lead author of the study. “Fitness has a protective effect regardless of the  presence
or absence of other stroke risk factors.”But we all get lazy sometimes and have to keep reminding ourselves of the benefits of physical activity. Here’s how to overcome your favorite excuses when you just don’t feel like exercising: 1 ”I’m too tired.” When your energy is low, exercise for just 10 minutes. Then, if you’re still tired, you can quit. You’ll find that the more you exercise, the more energy you’ll have. Being out of shape contributes to fatigue. 2 “It’s boring.” Find an activity that’s not boring—dancing, biking, hiking, tennis. Join a walking group or exercise with a partner, friend or a dog. 3 “I don’t have time—really.” Get some perspective. A daily workout takes no more than an hour. But if one hour is more than you can manage, try two half-hour segments. Regular exercise increases your energy—so the result will be that you can do more with your time in general. 4 “I‘m embarrassed.” If you don’t want to be seen in a public or club environment, consider private options such as in-home videos and exercise machines. Ultimately, improved fitness will boost your self-cofidence. 5 “It hurts.” Choose an exercise that fits your comfort level and interest. Safe and effective starter activities include walking, swimming or a stretching class. 6 “Starting is the hard part.” One way to get started is to do a little more of something you normally do every day such as walk. Start with a daily 10- to 15-minute walk, then lengthen it as you gain strength. For more ideas, check out www.myfitnessexpert.com and other online exercise sites. —Adapted
from Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter and Body Bulletin Canada
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