Smart Ways to Simplify Staying Fit
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us want to be more active to stay fit. But making that happen can be difficult. Schedules shift and life gets complicated. Extra work, unexpected guests, or kids’ issues can easily swallow time.
Making it happen could start with a scan of your daily routine to strategic openings. Then pick prime activities that appeal to you and are flexible enough to fit your life. Run your choices by your doctor and then try them out.
Walk Wherever You Are – Making walking a priority could mean doing 15 minutes before breakfast, with 15 more at lunch. In the office, do walking meetings, or use the afternoon break to stretch and walk. On the weekends, walk to the park or walk around the neighborhood. Each step counts to strengthen bones, drop pounds and reduce risk for serious diseases.
Keep Moving – Staying active wherever you are counts. Playing with your kids at the park, gardening and mowing, or going dancing are all activities that keep the body moving. Harvard Health experts recommend doing some form of aerobic exercise for a half-hour daily.
Try Tai Chi – Gentle, flowing motion Tai Chi classes are available at all levels for all ages. Tai Chi proved to be another form of meditation for me, relaxing my mind and body. When stress mounted, Tai Chi came to the rescue. Others say it improves their balance, and helps them stay in the exercise groove. If you like it, learn the form in a community class and practice at home with an online class.
Explore Water Options - Warm water pools in community facilities can be a great outlet for the whole family, or a special retreat for you. Researchers say swimming burns calories, tones the body, and lifts our moods.
Muscle Maintenance – You may be getting all of the strength training you need if you tote groceries and lift toddlers. But if your days are spent in an office, you may want to try weight training. Start with your doctor’s approval. Then find a certified trainer to learn the correct form. Start with 1- or 2-pound weights that you can lift easily. Gradually increase the weights. As you master the routine, use it at the gym or at home.
Make It All About You
As always, see your doctor before you change your normal routines. As you put together the best choices, you may find you are thinking better and feeling better. Something that seemed impossible earlier may snap right into place. Keep it up, and enjoy the results.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.