How to Start an Exercise Routine Right Now

It’s really an understatement to say that many people know the benefits of exercise.  Practically EVERYONE knows that exercise allows for weight loss, better sleep, more energy, improved mood, etc.

But if everyone is familiar with the importance of fitness, why do the vast majority of us refrain from adding exercise into our regular routine?

But I Don’t Have a Gym Membership?

Many people think that in order to exercise, you have to attend some fancy schmancy gym full of beautiful buff bodies and arrogant attitudes.

Think about it this way: do monkeys go the gym?  No.  Then why should you?

I know it sounds silly, but it’s true!  No other animal on the planet goes to the gym except for us humans.  And yet, we are by far the most *disease-ridden* species on earth!

You do not *need* a membership to a gym to be healthy.  You can literally make an infinite amount of exercise routines that you can do from the comfort of your own home.

No down payment required. ;)

But I Don’t Have Any Equipment?

Still listening to the gym rats, huh?  I’ll let you in on a little secret: you don’t need *any* equipment to begin an exercise program!

Don’t believe me?  Here are some of the absolute *best* exercises you can do to build muscle:

• Push-ups – These work your chest, biceps, triceps, and even your shoulders, upper back, and core.  The variations, such as military and dive-bomber, are practically endless.
• Squats – Want a sexy behind and tight quads?  Start squatting!
• Crunches – I’m sure you are familiar with these.  Don’t forget the many variations, such as oblique and bicycle crunches, which work your oblique abdominals.
• Calf Raises – Oh boy, you will feel these in the morning!

Have you noticed the common factor in these four exercises?  None of them use *any* equipment!  Known as bodyweight exercises, these are great for any novice and can be adjusted for the most advanced amongst us.

You can actually get up and do these exercises *right now* if you want.  Go ahead and give ‘em a try!

Don’t worry, I’ll wait. :D

But I Don’t Have Time!

Baloney!  You have time to peruse the internet.  You have to check your email.  You have time to sit here and read this article!

If you have time to do all of these things and more during your day, you certainly have time to exercise.  And if you actually got up and did those 4 exercises like I recommended, you know I’m not lying.

I’m sorry to be so forceful with this, but it’s such a common excuse.  And that’s all it is: an excuse.

Think about it this way:  You have 30 spare minutes before you have to leave to pick up the kids from school.  Instead of doing a few push-ups or squats or going for a quick jog, how do you spend your time?  You sit yourself in front of the TV for some mindless indulgence.

Or you have an hour-long break between classes.  You could easily put in an excellent workout in only *half* that time.  What do you do instead?  You end up gossiping with friends.

My point is that no matter how busy we think we are, we can *always* dedicate a little extra time to exercise.  And all it takes is a few measly minutes to see some real improvement in our health.

But, But, But….

Until you take control of your own life, there will always be more excuses.  You will always find ways to justify skipping just one more day of exercise, eating just one more piece of cake, etc.

I love offering advice and I am here to support you, but the real work is up to *you* and you alone.

Get Started NOW!

Here is a super simple cardio-strength routine that allows you to get started RIGHT NOW!

*Cardio – 2 days per week*

• 15-30 minutes of any heart-pumping activity you like: walking, jogging, swimming, biking, etc.

*Strength – 3 days per week*

• 1 Upper Body Exercise: push-ups, pull-ups, dips, handstands
• 1 Lower Body Exercise: squats, leg raises, calf raises, lunges, wall squats
• 1 Core Exercise: squats, reverse crunches, jack knives, mountain climbers
• Repeat for 15-30 minutes

A quick google search will provide you with all the information you need for properly performing these moves, along with other great bodyweight exercises.

It’s also a good idea to add stretching to your routine.  You can do this right when you wake up, before bed, after your workout, etc.  Just 10 minutes of targeted stretching everyday is enough.

Again, no equipment required.

And that’s it!  That’s all you need to get started with an effective workout routine that will help you lose weight, build muscle, and release some unwanted toxins.