You already know that staying physically active is a must to stay healthy, but maybe you don’t know why or how to keep active! Whether you’re a young professional with a packed schedule or living a more relaxed lifestyle, there are always ways to fit in some exercise and physical activity. Staying active is one of the most beneficial ways to keep your body healthy!
Why Being Physically Active is Important
Moving Keeps You Young
Over the years, your body will naturally lose strength, but if you stay active throughout your life, this can be prevented. There’s an old saying that stands true: “You don’t stop moving from growing old, you grow old from stopping moving.” Staying active keeps you strong and able to do the things you want to do.
Moving = Serotonin
Moving can instantly boost your mood! Walking in the fresh air or moving around the house can totally change your mood. Regular activity can relieve anxiety, stress, depression, and more (all while reducing stroke and heart disease risks).
Moving Has So Many Health Benefits
Regular physical activity controls your weight, combats diseases and prevents health concerns, and causes better sleep at night. All sounds pretty great, right?
How to Get Moving
Set a Step Goal Every Day
Step goals are a great way to keep yourself accountable and healthy. All smartphones have an automatic step tracker, so keep your phone in your pocket when moving around.
The amount of steps you need all depend on your age. Young adults need to strive for a step count of at least 7,500, but ideally 10,000-15,000 will keep you controlling weight and staying active. Older adults or seniors should strive for 4,000 steps or more to keep those health benefits alive.
You can walk more in many different ways! You can always go on a mid-day walk (I’m sure your dog would love that, too). This also goes for those working in an office–on your lunch break, walk around the building or find a nearby trail! You can also walk more by parking further away at your destination or using more staircases over elevators and escalators. Stairs might be hard at the moment, but imagine how proud you’ll feel when you take that last step!
Chair Exercises
You might think we’re crazy because usually the words chair and exercises don’t go together, but they can! They don’t replace walking your recommended steps, but they can help a whole bunch!
A great exercise is the toe lifts! Lift the toes of both your feet, leaving your heels on the floor. Then, lay your toes back down and lift your heels, squeezing your calf muscles! You can do this motion both on the ground or with your legs straight out in front of you. This will keep your calf muscles intact and strong. Calves will keep you moving throughout life, so treat them well!
You can find more of these exercises here on the British Heart Foundation’s website. Any kind of movement while sitting is good for you!
Keep Yourself Accountable
Fun fact: When you tell someone you’re going to start doing something (say a diet or exercise plan), you’re much more likely to stick to it!
Keep yourself accountable by telling close friends and family that your goal is to move more! They may even join you for walks and encourage you to keep pushing.
Healthy Means Many Different Things
Health has a lot of definitions, so remember to take a day off to rest your body–it does a lot for you, after all. Of course, you should keep your body moving so it stays strong and active, but don’t over do it. Every person has a different balance of what is too much and too little. Finding your own balance will change your life!
Disclaimer: This was not written by a medical professional. If you need serious help, please contact your medical provider. All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Although we are striving to provide great, accurate information, the information presented is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice.
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