To pick up a new fitness habit, pair it with an everyday activity you already do

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I’ve found it to be really effective in helping me be consistent with things that I really do want to do.” What Kee was doing is called habit stacking, a term coined by author S.J. It’s perfect.” Though two minutes of exercise won’t get you in shape, every little bit helps, experts say. The Centers for Disease Control recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week, plus two days of strength training Habit pairing is hardly a magic bullet, and most people find maintaining new habits difficult. But Gretchen Rubin, author of “Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives,” said pairing is among the best ways to start and maintain new habits.