Make Exercise a Must in Your Life
By Sandy Schroeder
I love to hop on the treadmill at night, go for long walks in late afternoon, and do early morning stretches on the patio, but there is a catch. I do not do these things often enough. If you can relate, you know exactly how this happens.
When morning comes, work and family are usually waiting. When afternoon arrives, there are more tasks at home to do. Finally, when it is evening. dinner, TV, calls and conversations with friends and family may squeeze in ahead of the treadmill or time on the mat.
Exercising every day, any way you can, will help keep you healthy and happy. The Mayo Clinic says, "Exercise creates same day and long-term benefits for your body."
No matter what your age, health or physical abilities are, regular movement will pay off.
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve sleep
- Improve balance
- Reduce anxiety
- Lower risk for chronic disease and cancer
- Power favorite sports
Where to Start
Here are some things you can do to get moving.
Custom fit activities and exercise to you - Pick the most comfortable times and appealing activities. Then build them into your daily schedule. They may become as routine as brushing your teeth.
Start gradually and listen to your body - It's tempting to rush into new routines that may overwhelm your body and leave you stiff, sore or injured.
Understand vigorous and moderate activities.- In vigorous exercises you can barely talk. In moderate you can still hold a conversation. You need twice as much moderate activity as vigorous to get the same results.
Add all sorts of stuff - Don't overlook opportunities to mix and match activities. Practice a one-foot balance pose while you assemble dinner. Walk whenever you can instead of driving and always take the stairs. Stretch or lift weights while you watch TV. Shoot some hoops or kick a soccer ball around with your kids.
Pinpoint your goals - You may not be too worried about losing weight, but you would love to sleep better. Decide what you really want and then start moving to get it. Those early morning jogs or runs to the park will happen a lot more when you enjoy a deep sleep every night.
Recognize the value of tasks - You can build muscle and burn calories as you run the vacuum, mop the floor or tote kids, laundry and groceries. Painting a room, cleaning out the garage or rearranging the furniture count too.
When you get down to it, you know what activities work for your body and your schedule. Just make sure it happens every day and enjoy the difference.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Brea, Calif.