Don’t panic this can be different for each person – it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go to the gym, unless you want to. There are many activities to choose from – find one you like as you are more likely to stick to it. Go to the gym, join a swimming club or play racquet ball, squash, or tennis. Make a commitment, try and get a friend to join you so you help each other.
Today science has confirmed the link with overwhelming evidence, that people who lead active life-styles are less likely to die early, or to experience major illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, or obesity. A sedentary life can lead to more aches and pains – we “rust up” so to speak.
Exercise encourages our body to produce its own natural pain-killing substances or happy substances, so you are less likely to comfort eat. People who are active are more likely to have their weight under control.
Evidence shows that regular exercise can:
Increase levels of HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol
Lower high blood pressure
Help control weight
Promote bone density
Promote healthy blood sugar levels
Boost the immune system
Improve mood and reduce the chance of depression
Reduce the risk of premature death from heart disease
Cope with arthritis
Help older adults gain strength, fight osteoporosis, and enhance ability to be active without fear of falling.
Exercise also increases circulation taking oxygen to every cell, encouraging detoxification. This improves the health of your skin making it look healthy, vibrant and younger. Despite all the evidence for staying active, many people find it difficult to adapt their daily life to incorporate much physical activity. As many as 70% of the adult population these days are inactive enough to be classed as ‘sedentary’. Being sedentary increases the risk of a heart attack by the same amount as smoking!
Exercising releases happy chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, which has a strong affect on our moods, helping reduce anxiety, pain, stress, aging and depression. Elevating your moods and emotions enables you to control what you eat and drink.
Joining a fitness facility especially with a friend is a good way to get exercise and help encourage each other. The other thing you can do to get the best start is hire a personal trainer.
HOWEVER, for some the ‘E’ word is a dirty word that fills them with dread.
Exercise for them can conjure up
*Sweating,
*‘NO pain NO gain’,
*Boring,
*Expensive membership,
*Takes too long,
*Aerobics classes (embarrassing),
*Gym too far away,
*Equipment collecting dust,
*Injury,
*Intimidation,
*Humiliation
*Aches and pains,
*Hungry afterward,
*Dizziness,
*Patronizing trainers
So maybe for you – walking is the answer
*Walk for 20 to 30 minutes each day
*Walking is free
*You will not need any special equipment except a good pair of walking shoes/trainers
*No special clothes
*Almost no risk of injury (unless you cross the road with your eyes closed)
*Generally little sweating
*Can ease aches and stiffness
*No special routines to learn
*No driving to and from the gym
*You can make it social if you want to, by going for a walk with a friend or friends.
| Walking If you walk for 30 minutes every day will increase fat burning. After such a walk your metabolism will be elevated for 12 hours afterwards, this a very good reason to walk earlier in the day. |
