If one of your objectives for this year is to be more active, it’s not too late. There are a few simple steps you can take that can make a big impact. You also don't have to spend a lot of time at the gym.
According to one study, recognizing physical activity as a critical marker is the first step toward obtaining more exercise. According to the authors, a physician should ask you how many minutes of physical exercise you do every week during each visit. This inquiry informs the patient (you) that exercise, like other vital indicators, is a crucial aspect of good health (e.g., blood pressure).
So, let's have a look at why exercise is so vital and some simple steps you can take to start increasing your amount of daily physical activity.
The Importance of Physical Activity
Physical activity, in addition to eating correctly, is essential for good health at any age. Regular exercise reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. You’ll also cut your chances of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight gain, and diabetes.
The benefits of physical activity include:
- Looking and feeling better
- Added strength and flexibility
- More energy and feeling less stressed
In general, your quality of life improves.
Make Exercise a Way of Life
The American Heart Association put together some ideas on how to make physical activity a heart-healthy, habitual way of life.
Here are some of their ideas:
- Find activities that you like and are convenient for you.
- Start slowly. You don’t want to do too much too soon.
- Try to exercise at the same time each day. This will make it part of your daily routine.
- Drink lots of water before.
- Get your family into it, too! You can support each other.
- Find an exercise group or gym.
- Mix in a variety of activities. Go for a jog one day, bike the next, then take a weekend swim.
- If you miss a day, plan a make-up day. Don’t double your exercise time during your next session.
- And if you have to stop at any point, just get started again — slowly — and work up to your pace.
We're not talking about going to the gym for hours. It's all about starting with a small amount of physical activity and progressing from there.
What You Can Do Today
The updated physical activity guidelines for Americans state any movement that gets your heart rate up, even just a little bit, is beneficial. And as you can see, there are a lot of easy ways to get more exercise into your daily routine, but start by talking to your doctor first.
