Peter Eckerline, former Managing Director of Merrill Lynch and head of the Eckerline Wealth Management Group, has always been incredibly busy with his work. Even so, he has always made it a point to fit in time for exercise on a regular basis. He has played golf and basketball, ran track in college, and even coached sports at various points in time. Having experienced the many benefits of regular exercise first-hand, he offers advice for those who want to become more active in the new year.
First, Eckerline encourages those who have not been in the habit of exercising on a regular basis to choose a form of exercise that is both safe and enjoyable. Yoga is a good option for many people who can’t start a vigorous cardiovascular workout, he says. Walking is yet another good form of exercise that just about anyone can enjoy. Other good options, he notes, are swimming, jogging, running, working out at the gym or home, or lifting weights. Setting aside three half-hour time slots per week is a good starting point; furthermore, he explains that it can be a good idea to consult a doctor before starting a new workout regimen to ensure it’s a good option.
Eckerline highly recommends making use of in-between times to fit in a bit of exercise. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Take a walk around the block during your lunch break or take five-minutes stretch breaks in your office in-between tasks. If you arrive at a meeting early or the other party is delayed, a walk around the premises is far better than simply sitting and waiting for time to go by. Waking up early is yet another good way to fit in a bit of exercise during the day, Eckerline points out. He notes that this is easier said than done for those who aren’t early risers; however, even those who don’t like to get up early can set the alarm for 15 minutes before their regular wake-up time and then use the extra time to exercise either inside or outside the home. With time, as one gets used to rising early and getting physical exercise, it won’t be too hard to wake up even earlier to fit in more exercise time.
Peter explains that making time for exercise takes self-discipline and one will need to make a few sacrifices; however, he is quick to note that the payoff is more than worth it. Science clearly shows that exercise offers multiple health benefits. It strengthens the heart and lungs, boosts the immune system, reduces stress, and helps one sleep well at night. Keeping these benefits in mind is important for anyone who wants to assess his or her schedule to determine when and how to fit in a winning exercise routine.
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