At times it is difficult to keep a fitness program because there are too many constraints. Traffic (like today, when it rained) keeps us from traveling to a gym and golf is definitely out. Many sports require accessories, equipment and special footwear. I have seen passengers on a plane hauling golf bags, tennis rackets, bulky backpacks (for mountaineers).

Now take something like yoga. What I find great about this fitness activity is its simplicity. I call it a “to-go” program (take anywhere, do any time).

Yoga’s requirement is absolutely minimalist — a yoga mat. And it does not require a court, a pool, a golf course or a range. Last October 2006 when our family left for the province, i threw my mat into my maleta together with a few sets of workout clothes (which, by the way, already served as some of my daytime attire while there — talk of traveling light!). And while waiting for our much delayed flight at the departure area, we also spotted 2 girls and one of them was lugging a backpack with a yoga mat sticking out from it. Portable!

While in the province, I was able to do yoga just about anywhere. One day, it was the lawn; another day, the family room; another time, the bedroom. My 2 yoga mates who traveled together even did it along the shore of a beach resort. You could be in tees and shorts, or workout tops and bottoms even. And….just barefoot. It does not choose the time of day — early morning, mid-morning, early afternoon or evening is fine. How much simpler can it get? I can only think of swimming as another simple, physical program that does not require much in terms of “gear”. But again, you would need to go to a pool!

The less complicated it is to exercise, I realized, the easier it is to KEEP TO THE ROUTINE. At least, it works that way for me. No excuses!

How do you keep yourself focused on doing your fitness routine regularly? Drop me a note here.