Why Exercise is Like a SuperMed, Only Better
Deep down, when we are out there running or walking, we know we are tapping right into good health. At that moment, that is the best thing we could be doing for ourselves. But it is surprising how much of a boost we get with every single run, walk or workout.
Harvard Health tells us exercise really works like a “supermed.” Walking daily, lowers the risk for heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes and stroke without causing any side effects. It also sharpens memory, eases arthritic pain, trims the waistline and keeps us independent as we age.
Why You Need to Get Moving Now
If you have found your weight, blood pressure or cholesterol levels creeping up, you may suspect you are headed for some serious medications. Or maybe you have already gone over the numbers with your doctor, and medication for blood pressure or cholesterol are being prescribed. Either way, Harvard Health tells us we can turn the whole situation around with exercise.
So how soon do we start?
Well that’s where the hangup comes in. With so much motivation you would think everybody would be out there running, walking or doing yoga every day. But picking the clear path and making it happen often gets tangled up in daily schedules and all of life’s other demands. We all have about a million excuses ready to fly and too often use them as we put exercise on the backburner.
But if you do a quick flashback to a slimmer healthier you, this exercise menu might get you moving. Post it on your fridge or computer and keep selecting choices until you find the ones you can stick with.
Take Your Pick
15 minute morning and evening yoga sessions
20 minute morning brisk walk or run
20 minute combo of balance exercises and flexibility stretches during lunch or after work
25 minute strength training workout after work
15 minute A.M. Tai Chi session backed up with a 20 minute after work run
JumpRope & Jumping Jacks, 15 minute wake up routine paired with 20 minute brisk walk after work
Daily park bike ride for 20 minutes paired with relaxing late evening yoga session.
You Name It – Fill in this one yourself with your favorite exercise. The one that does not feel like work, and you are likely to repeat over and over. Whatever that turns out to be, it could be the one that keeps you in the exercise game helping you to avoid all of those medications and just enjoy being out there running, walking or stretching.
Start wherever you are, not exercising at all, sometimes exercising a few times a week, or actually doing some exercise every day, and build on it. Doctors and scientists recommend logging in 150 minutes a week of exercise, but starting wherever you are and working up to that number really is the way to make it happen.
So pick something and get started. All of the good vibes that you get right away will tell you just how great this is going to be for you.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Giuseppe Milo