Increasing Movement in Daily Life
Does your schedule have you running around, barely able to fit everything into your day? You are not alone! Many people face the challenge of balancing their personal and professional responsibilities, leaving little time for exercise.
However, when it comes to your health, staying active should be at the top of your priority list. Otherwise, you could miss out on all of the great benefits associated with physical fitness. These include increased energy and longevity, less stress, and a higher quality of life. So, how can you still get all of those benefits without compromising everything that needs to be done each day?
Walking is Simple, Yet Incredible
Since walking is one of the very first things we learn, it becomes automatic and something that just happens without really thinking about it. But underneath the simplicity of walking is a major aspect to staying healthy: movement. Consistent motion is important in maintaining healthy heart and lungs, and strengthening the flexibility of joints and muscles.
Currently, the recommended amount of exercise is at least 30 minutes per day for four to five days each week. As mentioned earlier, it can seem like taking a half hour out of your day would be very difficult. A possible solution is to get the physical activity you need with movements that you are already doing. Instead of parking close to the building of the supermarket, try parking farther away and walking a little more.
Better yet, when you go to the mall, park in an opposite wing of where you need to shop. This will cause you to walk the length of the mall twice, which can be quite a mini-workout in itself. Early in the morning, a lot of people walk around the mall as a form of exercise, and you can do the same thing, especially if you are going there anyway.
At work, don’t use the elevator. Walk up the stairs and give your leg muscles a little resistance so they can strengthen and tone. To take things up a notch, move your arms as you walk and focus on your stride. Involve your upper body as well as your legs. Over time, you will notice that the distances you walk will appear shorter. Of course, they have not actually shrunk or changed at all. You will just be in better shape, physically and mentally, so the walk will not be as challenging.
Use What You Have
You don’t need any expensive equipment to stay in shape. In fact, all it takes is motivation and effort, two things that will not cost a penny. If you do not have time to perform a regular exercise program, plan on having short sessions throughout the day. Remember, you only need to reach 30 minutes of movement. That time can be divided up into 10 or 15 minute sessions.
Walk or run in place, do some jumping jacks, or test your strength with push-ups. In addition, dancing for a few minutes will burn calories and improve your breathing. Use household items when you become more advanced. For example, hold cans of soup in your hands as you walk in place, or rest a broomstick on your shoulders while performing squats and twists.
Learning to combine activities will make all of the difference in your life. The best part is that the above exercises can be done while watching television or spending time with your family. Inspiring other family members to join you will make your workout even more fun, and help them too. With all of the sacrifices being made each day, do not let your health be one of them. Take the initiative to live better, longer, and healthier.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aerobic-exercise/AN01947[5]
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-and-stress/SR00036[6]
References
- ^ HelloLife™ Home (www.hellolife.net)
- ^ Increasing Movement in Daily Life (www.hellolife.net)
- ^ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aerobic-exercise/AN01947 (www.mayoclinic.com)
- ^ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-and-stress/SR00036 (www.mayoclinic.com)
- ^ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/office-exercise/SM00115 (www.mayoclinic.com)
- ^ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676 (www.mayoclinic.com)
