Being a health professional, I know the benefits of daily exercise on your health and quality of life. However, a lot of people may think they are too old or out of shape to do any physical activity.
This may be debunked according to The New York Times.
The article entitled “Closest Thing to a Wonder Drug? Try Exercise” chronicled several studies showing that exercise can benefit everyone, even those suffering from medical conditions.
30 Trials showed improved outcomes in the knees of patients with osteoarthritis. Exercise therapy increased aerobic capacity in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Those with ankylosing spondylitis, or inflammatory arthritis in the spine and large joints, and even some types of back pain had benefited from exercising.
Outcomes in patients with heart disease showed a decrease in heart attack mortality by 27 percent and cardiac mortality by 31 percent. Exercise has also exhibited improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Exercise lowered blood sugar levels enough to reduce complications in patients with diabetes.
Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) were able to walk farther and function better with exercise.
For those with Parkinson’s disease exercise improved their overall quality of life and physical function by improving muscle power and mobility.
Knowing that exercise produces mood-boosting endorphins it is no wonder it has been shown improve symptoms of depression.
If you are suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, exercise has been shown to improve its symptoms.
Exercise also decreased fatigue in patients going through cancer treatments.
Do you get enough exercise?
In today’s fast-paced society we are inundated with workloads and rushing around from one appointment to another. We seldom take time for ourselves to do something that will benefit us in the long run.
So what’s stopping you?
Starting an exercise routine is hard when you never move. You feel like you can’t get fit unless you are fit. It is a vicious cycle of not having any energy to get going so you wind up not doing anything.
Or you may feel like you have no time. Between work, your social life, and your kids (if you have them), you may feel stretched too thin.
We as a society have sedentary lives. We get up, get in our cars to drive to a job where we sit on our butts for 8 hours.
You may be one of those few who get a little exercise if you commute by public transportation. There also may be those jaunts to the coffee room or get a walk outside but is it really enough? Are you getting your heart rate up?
You owe it to yourself to get some activity in.
Exercise does not have to be extreme. You do not have to be a marathon runner or Ironman. You just need to find what works for your lifestyle. The goal is to get in 30 minutes a day. You want to get your heart pumping to 110-140 beats per minute. This can be done even with a brisk walk.
I know it is hard. Heck, I never started exercising until I was 28 years old. If I can do it. Then so can you.
It is all about easing into the routine.
I hated running before I started the couch to 5K. Now I love the endorphins I get from working out.
You just need to find something that you enjoy doing and that will make you feel good.
If you are one of those people who are getting your daily exercise I applaud you. For those of you who are not exercising don’t fret because I have 6 tips that will get you moving.
1. Lay Your Clothes Out the Night Before
This will get you thinking about exercising. Seeing your clothes will mentally prepare you for your workout the next day. You will be more inclined to put them on and get going. Gym clothes are now also a trendy thing. You can get excited about your gym wardrobe and what you will wear to work out.
2. Make a Strict Schedule
Blocking out a half-hour to an hour a day to do exercise will help to make it more real. Think of it as any other appointment you have and give it your full attention. Creating time for exercise routines is just as important as your regular business meetings.
3. Get A Class Pass or Groupon Deal
If you are not sure what type of exercise is right for you. Try coupon deals or a Class Pass memberships. These are great ways to try out different types of exercise. They have everything from yoga and pilates to cardio and trampoline classes.
4. Do Something You Enjoy
If you are not having a good time, find something new. Not everyone can do the elliptical or run on the treadmill. Keep trying something new until it sticks.
5. Find an Accountability Partner
Having a gym buddy is a great way to keep your goals on track. You can have another person motivate you and make you stick to your exercise schedule. You want to find someone who supports your efforts and keep you accountable.
6. Get Some Music
Music is essential to your workout. Find what beats move and push you to go harder. If you are not a music person find a podcast or some other inspirational audio that will help you reach your exercise goals.