We live in a world where convenience is key, and exercise is often considered a second thought.
Everywhere we turn, much of our culture encourages sedentary activity. We drive to work, sit at office desks throughout the day and unwind at home by turning on the television.
For many of us, it’s increasingly difficult to find time to exercise amidst our busy schedule. We have jobs, families, housework and other responsibilities to juggle. How can we find the time to exercise?
Getting Active: Our Bodies and Physical Activity
Though sedentary lifestyles have become the new “norm” for many, our bodies thrive on exercise. Physical activity helps us maintain a healthy weight, grow our muscles, keep us energized, regulate our metabolism and so much more.
By participating in consistent, regular exercise, we reap a variety of health benefits including:
- Improved mental health
- Greater endurance
- Healthier weight
- Stronger bodies
- Healthier vitals
- An overall higher quality of life
However, as we age, our physical activity levels naturally start to decline. Much of this is due to the nature of our everyday lives, but much of it also has to do with mobility. Whatever the reason, consistent levels of physical activity are greatly reduced in adults as they get older. On the other hand, simply moving more could positively impact our health in many ways.
The Benefits of Modest Exercise
Research has shown that even a moderate increase in daily activity each day/week can increase our health significantly. Regular aerobic, anaerobic and resistance exercise can have miraculous effects on our bodies.
Now, this isn’t to say you have to become a seasoned athlete in order to reap the benefits of increased physical activity. Simply adding more movement into your daily life can produce astounding benefits. Modest amounts of exercise can lead to big results. Here are some general tips you can use to increase your daily physical activity:
- Talk a walk after breakfast, lunch or dinner to help your food digest
- Park your car at the very end of the parking lot
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
- During commercial breaks, move around your house
- Spend one extra hour outdoors each week
- Have walking work meetings
- Increase the beat; Dance to your favorite songs!
- Take your dog for a longer walk outside
- Devote 15-20 minutes a day to exercise
- Spend more time exploring and enjoying nature
Looking for More Ways to Move?
All movement counts. CLICK HERE to discover additional ways to get active!
