Most experts recommend at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week. It is easy to neglect this. In fact, studies show that the majority of Americans don’t get this minimum recommended amount of exercise weekly.

We live busy lives, it is hard to get up early enough to exercise before work, we get home late and feel tired, would like to catch up with family and relax and, often, the last thing we feel like doing is going out and exercising—especially during this summer heat.

But, think about reversing your priorities and putting your daily exercise at, or near the top of your list. You’ll feel better, you’ll be healthier, you’ll get fitter, and trimmer, and will look better.

Aerobic exercise includes something you can sustain at a steady pace for the full duration of the session. This may include walking, biking, jogging, swimming, rowing, or getting on an aerobic machine. Golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, squash and similar sports are good, but are not actually aerobic exercises, so your program should be based on one of those and these other choices should be considered supplemental.

Resistance work, such as core exercises and weight training are important, but only need to be done for about 20 minutes twice weekly.

Consider tweaking your schedule to get your exercise program where it needs to be.

At Dr Smith Direct Care (DrSmithDirectCare.com) we will work with you, counsel, and advise to help you maintain your health, including your exercise program.

—CWS