Let Little Activities Drive Your Exercise Program
By Tom Herrin
There may be no need to go overboard when trying to ramp up an exercise program. Most people could use more, and at the same time, many may look for every opportunity to find a way to cut steps in what they do every day. On the contrary, finding some way to increase some of those steps may be the short solution to the problem of being too sedentary. The one thing that is a must is that they will have to do something, but it does not always have to be any form of heavy exercise. With lighter exercises from daily activities, people may be able to look forward to it and have a greater sense of enjoyment.
The Quality or Quantity Question Is Always There
It seems like it is frequently said that as long as something is quality, the quantity is not so important. This is true in terms of exercise as well. If people can get quality exercise, it may replace the need for more of it. On the other hand, more moderate exercise in steady amounts may be pretty good. One study found that for people who had health issues such as obesity and/or were general couch potatoes and were between 55 and 80, even 30 minutes per day of walking could help keep blood pressure lower. Results were even better for women who took a break and went for a three-minute walk every half hour.
If You Are Ambitious and Short on Time, Go Harder
For those who feel the need to cram more into what they are doing, they can increase the intensity of a workout. This would mean going at it with more vigor, but this is not a must. It should obviously be reserved for those who have begun to get into somewhat better shape. Building up to this is the key, but for many, this is not necessary. While some want to achieve these greater levels of activity, one study found that people who walk only a total of two hours per week had a 26 percent less chance of dying early than those who were sedentary.
Aging Should Be No Excuse
As we get older, it is easy to feel as if we can retire from activity. What a bad decision that would be. Activity is surely an important part of staying healthy. It is believed that fewer than 20 percent of those 65 or older get as much exercise as they need. For most of us, it is not that hard. Try a few things to take a few more steps each day, and you will be healthier for it. I try to park a little farther out in the parking lot or walk someplace I could drive to. Those little bits can add up.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Berkeley, Calif.
