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Trainer Bob Harper's six easy tips for being more active

Looking to get into a routine? Start small and hit the pavement, says the celebrity trainer.
/ Source: TODAY

Bob Harper feels your pain.

Yes, you, who just can't find the time to make it to the gym in the morning. Or during the afternoon. Or after work. Or ever, possibly.

"People don’t like change. I can understand that. It’s daunting. When it comes to putting an exercise routine into your daily schedule, it can be very daunting," Harper said on Megyn Kelly TODAY Thursday.

"That puts people in a vulnerable position, that you’re going to be the worst person in the class," said the personal trainer, who's worked with Michelle Obama.

Since suffering a near-fatal heart attack earlier this year, Harper has changed his own routine.

"I’m easier on myself. If I don’t work out one day, no big deal, it’s not the end of the world — and that’s a big deal for me. I’m more forgiving. I’m doing a lot more yoga. I take my dogs for a walk every day," he said.

Here are six things he says you can do to be more active, no matter how much you like (or loathe) exercise.

  1. "I believe that if you just start walking more, but really committing to it, wherever you can walk in your day, that really adds up."
  2. "Keep track of the amount of steps you’re doing."
  3. "Start thinking that you’re in competition with yourself rather than other people."
  4. "Start small and do smaller things. Nutrition is the most important part of a healthy lifestyle. Just change one behavior, one thing. January 1 is the worst because people say they’re going to go the gym everyday."
  5. "You have to find something you enjoy doing. There are so many group fitness classes out there. There are so many different types of workouts. I enjoy going to the gym, it’s social for me, and I like to challenge myself."
  6. "Meditation. I do TM. It’s the best. TM is something that really resonates with me. Anytime you can turn your phone off, even for one or two minutes, just to get into the rhythm. It’s like a muscle. You have to train it. I meditate twice a day for 25 minutes."