Are You Making Exercise Work for You? Find Out
By Sandy Schroeder
Are your days filled with stress? Just when you think things are going well, new challenges pop up. If you really need a way to get centered in order to get moving, exercise may be an effective answer.
If you only exercise now and then, make it a daily habit and see what happens next. As your spirit lifts, energy goes up, and you relax more and more, life may look a whole lot better.
When I keep my daily walk, regular stretches and morning runs in the picture, everything else falls into place.
The Mayo Clinic says regular physical activity may be better for you than you realize.
Exercise chases pounds away - Stay active in the gym and at home to burn calories and melt pounds. Eat healthy foods with moderate portions emphasizing fruits and vegetables as you shed those extra pounds.
Exercise fights disease - Daily activity will give a boost to your immune system and fight depression keeping you healthier. Just keep moving throughout the day and the evening and enjoy the dividends.
- Avoid strokes
- Reduce blood pressure
- Fight depression
- Reduce anxiety
- Fight many types of cancer
- Soothe arthritis
- Avoid falls
- Prevent metabolic syndrome
Exercise helps you sleep better - When you have been outdoors walking or running or doing yoga during lunch, it's much easier to drift off at night.
Exercise makes life fun again - Go dancing, spend the weekend camping, enjoy a nature walk or learn a new sport. Take a yoga or tai chi class. Try rock climbing. Pick the activities that you really enjoy. Find an exercise buddy and get your family involved.
Exercise cuts through stress - When too many challenges land all at once, add a few more walks or head to the park with your dog. Each step that you take may erase some of the worries and spark new ideas. Often I return from a walk with new inspirations.
Exercise strengthens social connections - Stay in touch with family and friends as you spend time on the water, enjoy long walks or shoot hoops. Staying active with your family can be practicing soccer in the backyard, learning a new sport, or helping with team sports at school.
Exercise can keep you centered - Wherever you are right now short breaks during the day and simple workouts in the afternoon can help you keep your perspective.
Start now to put exercise back into your day. Pick a comfortable time and list it on your calendar. Break it up into 10-, 15- or 20-minute segments, whatever works for you.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Upland, Calif.