Change by definition means to “make something different.”

Change is not easily accepted by many people. We all like the idea of being comfortable and staying within the confines of the familiar. So, how do we make changes when they are to better our lives?

Breaking it down into small steps to achieve, change or address something is much easier and more successful than trying to make major changes. This theory applies to so many things in life. The same holds true for health and fitness. Instead of making huge changes, think of it as enhancing your daily routine with small changes that you can live with.

Let us discuss how to go about making those small changes through exercise and activity:

• Get in your cardio.

It is recommended to get in 150 minutes per week. You can break that down, so it becomes do-able with 30 minutes of cardio, five times a week.

• If you are short on time, try Tabata training.

Tabata training is a form of high-intensity interval training and is a great calorie burner. A traditional Tabata session is only four minutes long.

For example, you could perform a Tabata session on an elliptical trainer. You go for 20 seconds at your maximum and recover for 10 seconds. You repeat this session eight times. This is a small change but can yield big results. Try it for one of your cardio workouts this week.

• Include strength training in your fitness routine.

The stronger your muscles, the easier it is to do many of your daily activities. A big plus for weight training is that it increases your metabolic rate and causes the body to burn more calories throughout the day.

Try adding an extra day of strength training. Shoot for two or three days a week. When selecting a weight, it should be heavy enough that you feel the muscle working, but light enough that you can do 12-15 repetitions. Continue to challenge yourself by adding a little more weight or repetitions as you get stronger.

• Do not forget the flexibility piece.

By keeping your muscles long and lean, you are improving your range of motion, as well as your posture. Try daily stretching. A little change could mean you stand up from your work chair and reach up high to the sky.

• Make a conscious effort to get in just a little more activity.

For example, park a little farther away from work or the store. Try to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Put on your tennis shoes and go for a walk at lunch time rather than going out for a high-calorie lunch.

• Measure your workout.

Not only measure your workout in minutes, but also in exertion. Wear a heart-rate monitor. Figure out your target heart rate, and this will help you to reach your goals. Sometimes you may feel you are working hard, when actually you may not be. Utilize your workout time for maximum benefit.

Take the big picture of exercise and break it down into smaller parts. Ask yourself which of these tips could work for you. These tips are a few ways you can easily apply to make small changes in your exercise routine.

By making small changes, you will be amazed at how big the results can be.

Keep Life Fun!