A Simple Guide to Exercise
“So what’s the deal with physical exercise? Why is it so important to my health? I’d like to exercise more, but I: 1) don’t seem to have the time. 2) don’t seem to have very much fun. What can I do?” We will attempt to answer these questions and more as we provide you with a simple guide to exercise. Read on to learn how to have fun exercising and improving your health.
Exercise and Good Health
Exercise is a key factor involved in your good health. Why is exercise important? Here are five really good reasons to exercise:
- More Energy - It seems like a weird concept. Exercise takes energy, but it also gives you more energy. 1 Click here to learn more about how exercise creates energy.
- Better Mood - Do you suffer from depression or a lack of motivation? Aerobic exercise has been shown to release mood-elevating chemicals in the brain while decreasing stress hormones. 2
- Longevity - Regular exercise in moderation can actually add years to your life. 3
- Weight Loss - Regular exercise can help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism.
- Better Sleep - Regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and improves overall sleep quality. 4
Keeping Exercise Fun
It’s easy to see why exercise can improve the quality and the duration of your life, but let’s face it; nobody is going to exercise if they aren’t having any fun. Therefore it is very important to make exercise fun. Be creative and find something that you enjoy doing most of the time. The good news: there are plenty of great activities to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Hiking outdoors
- A evening bike ride around the neighborhood
- Swimming at the local pool or swimming hole
- Taking the dog out for a walk or a run
- An exciting game of tennis with a friend
- A game of frisbee at the park with friends
- Pumping some iron at the gym
These are just a few ideas to get your wheels turning. Be creative, and don’t forget to have fun. If you aren’t having fun, it’s going to be much harder to stick with your exercise program for the long-term.
Finding Time to Exercise
It really doesn’t take much time to exercise. About 30 minutes four or five times a week is all you need. We feel that motivation is the key when it comes to making time for exercise. Read the sections on Exercise and Good Health and Keeping Exercise Fun to help inspire some motivation. Also, keep on reading to learn about the benefits of exercising with an activity partner.
Find an Activity Partner
Another idea that can make exercise more enjoyable is to find an activity partner. Find someone that will make exercise fun, and be absolutely certain that your activity partner makes you feel good about yourself. For example, if you are not competative, do not select a competative activity partner because too much focus on competition may not be very much fun. Another benefit to having an activity partner is that you can use each other as a motivation to exercise.
The Bottom Line
Physical exercise and a healthy diet are two key parts of a healthy lifestyle. The goal with any healthy habit, including exercise, is to be creative and have fun. A healthy lifestyle does not have to be strict and boring. Exercise does not have to be entirely hard work. If you have tried regular exercise for a few weeks and are still not having very much fun, maybe it is time try another activity. Have fun and be creative. Here’s to your good health!
A note for those beginning an exercise program - Start slowly and listen to your body. There is no rush. We also recommend informing your healthcare professional about any new exercise program before beginning.
Sources:
- Exercise for Energy: Workouts That Work. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/exercise-for-energy-workouts-that-work
- Natural and Herbal Remedies for Depression. Cathy Wong. About.com: Alternative Medicine. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsatod/a/Depression1.htm
- Exercise, Longevity and Life Expectancy. Mark Stibich, Ph.D. About.com: Longevity. http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongfitness/a/exercise_life_e.htm
- 10 tips for better sleep. MayoClinic.com. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep/HQ01387
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Exercise is beneficial for many reasons. It has made a huge difference in my health–both mental and physical.
March 27th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
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