Exercise and Fitness. Get up! Go!
Spring is on the horizon. A time the world begins to wake up from the winter and desires to move beyond existing boundaries. Although it is important to consistently stay active throughout the year, February is a great time to talk about exercise and movement. I know you have heard this before but being physically active is one of the most important steps you can take at any age to improve your health. It can prevent many chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease. The number one cause of premature death in the United States. It can also help lower the risk of diabetes 2, high blood pressure, and depression. Here are some other benefits associated with exercise and fitness:
- Reduces stress levels and depression
- Improves mood and energy levels
- Increase muscle strength, endurance, and ability to use oxygen
- Increase HDL. The good cholesterol and helps regulate blood sugar
- Maintains bone density and prevents osteoporosis
- Improves joint structure, joint function, agility, and range of motion
- Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
- Improve circulation and helps control blood pressure
- Regulates sleeping
- Decreases body fat and increases lean body mass
Let’s start a conversation.
If we know the benefits of regular exercise and fitness, why do so many people struggle to stay active?
There are many reasons but the top three are time, convenience, and connection.
Time
We’ll begin with time. Many people say they don’t have time to exercise. I believe we make time for the things that are important to us. Maybe exercise is not important to you but being able to play with your kids or grandkids is a top priority. Try shifting your perspective to focus on the meaningful benefits of exercising instead of the reasons you don’t enjoy it.
Are you still short on time? Here’s a plus. Honestly, you don’t need to spend a lot of time being physically active to gain health benefits. I’ll keep it simple. The recommended dose of activity to gain health benefits is at least 150 minutes (2.5 Hours) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week.
That’s it! This could be walking, swimming, biking, hiking, dancing, gardening, or yoga. If you add two days a week of muscle-strengthening activity a week, you are doing one of the best things you can do for your health – body, mind, and spirit.
Convenience
If heading to the gym after work is not convenient for you because it doesn’t fit into your schedule, perhaps going home to ride bikes with your kids for 30 minutes works perfectly. Maybe you can squeeze in a yoga class at lunch, take the stairs at work, park in the furthest spot in a lot, or take a quick walk after dinner.
You just need to move. Be mindful and creative! Find an activity that works with your schedule.
Connection.
Lastly, many people don’t stick to a plan because they don’t feel connected to the activity they choose. If you don’t like going to the gym to lift weights, be honest with yourself. Stop trying to make it part of your exercise routine. This sets you up for failure. If you fail, learn from it and try something else.
If you are not connected to the activity it will not stick around to become a habit.
There are many different ways to be active. Do some personal exploration and find an exercise that you can connect with and enjoy your fitness plan. Get up. Go!
“The only way to optimal health is to take care of ourselves everyday emotionally, physically and mentally.”
Sheri Davidson, licensed acupuncturist and Duke Integrative Medicine trained wellness coach, specializes in preventative medicine. She loves sharing her passion for wellness living and Eastern medicine through her blog, The Wellness Inspired Podcast, and practice, Element 5, Acupuncture + Wellness in Rice Village District of Houston, TX.
15-minute zoom call for a complimentary health assessment/consultation. We will assess where you are in health, explore short-term and long-term health goals, and discuss the best way to get started on your healing journey. 713-942-7110
To find out more about wellness living and natural healing, follow Element 5, Acupuncture + Wellness on Instagram, Facebook, Google, and Linkedin. If you know of anyone who would benefit from our content, please share. Let’s stay healthy together!
Read more articles on Medium Element 5, Acupuncture + Wellness
Sheri Davidson
L.Ac. + Wellness Coach