Let Your Daily Needs Drive Your Exercise
By Tom Herrin
Finding that right way to exercise can be hard and easy at the same time. It can be hard in the sense that most people think of hard work and sweat anytime they think about exercise. It should certainly involve activity, and activity usually involves something that makes people work. On the other hand, exercise does not have to be really heavy in order to accomplish its intended purpose. The things that people do every day may put them on the right path to getting healthier. It may simply be a matter of getting out of the habit of eliminating shortcuts and making the extra steps. If managed correctly, those daily activities may be sufficient to provide enough exercise to help boost health.
Older People Often Do Themselves In
Many people seem to think of age as a handicap. It really isn't so much of a handicap unless they allow it to be. Those who see retirement as a chance to slow down may be missing the real opportunity they have. It has been recommended that people 65 and older get at least 2 1/2 hours per week of exercise. While this does not sound like all that much, it is speculated that fewer than 20 percent of those in that group get that recommended amount. A lot of this may be accomplished by avoiding the temptation to simply sit around all day.
Daily Activities Really Can Help
Most people likely feel that they are not actually getting exercise if they are not sweating profusely and breathing hard at some point. The things they do every day can help more than most realize. When it is broken down, the recommendation only amounts to a little more than 20 minutes per day. For most, that should be pretty easy, and anyone who is active at all is probably already doing at least half that.
Just Extend or Add for Good Results
It doesn't take much to realize that what we do now may get us halfway there. In other words, we may move a little. Finding ways to increase activity is only a small challenge. I try to do things such as taking the stairs when something else is available. I also take advantage of the opportunity to park as far as possible from the door when I go to a store. Even walking around the yard picking up paper or some other debris can provide some exercise. Get a little creative and determine what you can do with your daily routine. You may surprise yourself at how much your activity improves.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Reno, Nev.
