“Should I exercise today?” It’s a question many people ask themselves on a daily basis. Between work, school and extracurricular activities, many have difficulty finding time to exercise. However, there’s always time. Exercising doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the gym every day. It means walking around the block for 30 minutes or swimming several laps in a pool. Time should always be carved out for your health. We can’t do anything without our health so it’s important to create a regular exercise routine that works for our individual lifestyles.

Often, we tend to focus so much of our energy coming up with excuses why we can’t exercise that we tire ourselves before lacing up our running shoes.

I’ve fallen victim to my own excuses. On a daily basis, a million excuses why I shouldn’t go to the gym run through my mind such as “I’m too tired to go to the gym,” “I don’t have enough time,” or “The gym is too far away.”

It’s truly difficult finding the motivation sometimes, even with it being swimsuit season and all. If you have a hard time finding the motivation, join a gym that offers structured classes like kickboxing and yoga, or work out with a friend.

Often, it’s easier to find motivation when others exercise with you. It pushes you to keep going even though you might not want to.

Exercising not only trims your waistline, it also offers so many long-term health benefits. A regular workout can prevent or combat health conditions like stroke and type two diabetes, improve your mood and boost your energy.

On a daily basis, people should aim for at least 30 minutes of physical exercise. 30 minutes is all it takes to achieve a healthier life, according to www.mayoclinic.org.

The benefits of exercise definitely outweigh the negative aspect of making excuses.

In the end, you’re your own health advocate and it’s up to you to find the time.