Why Exercise?
There are many physical, emotional and mental benefits for
exercising. A regular exercise routine can help you;
Lose unwanted pounds and maintain your weight
Reduce the risk of diabetes
Have greater endurance
Reduce stress, thereby relieving depression
Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
Have increased energy and concentration
Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
Finding the Time and Motivation.
What seems to hold most of us back from starting an exercise
routine is, one, gaining the motivation to just get started and
two finding the time. It helps to remind yourself of all that
you have to gain from just a 15 to 30 minute block of time each
day. Focus on the benefits, the most visible will be the change
in your physical appearance. With the physical changes comes an
increase in self esteem which in itself is a great motivational
factor. It may take a few weeks but with a little time and
determination you will begin to both see and feel the benefits
beginning to happen.
How many times have you wanted to start an exercise program and
did not because you just could not figure out how you could
possibly work it into your schedule? I know I have had that
thought many times. I also know that I will make time my
schedule for whatever I deem important. But, just how important
are all the daytime and evening TV programs we watch? How much
more do we have to gain by sacrificing some other activity for
30 minutes of exercise? With all that said now is the time to
choose which type of exercise you would enjoy doing.
Types of Exercise.
There is no one exercise program that is just right for
everyone, it is a very personal decision. When making this
decision, remember that exercise is supposed to be fun. So
choose something you enjoy doing but make sure it gets your
heart pumping. Aerobics is defined as exercise that uses large
muscle groups continuously and rhythmically. This makes the
heart and lungs work harder which helps to lower your resting
heart rate and burn calories. Just about any exercise can be
done to music, in fact most people prefer to have music playing
while they work out. You will naturally find yourself working
out in time to the beat regardless of what type of exercise you
are doing.
Anything that gets you on your feet and moving is exercise.
Some of the more popular choices are;
Aerobics, biking, Skiing, Power Walking, Jogging, Inline
Skating, Swimming, Palettes, Yoga, Tai chi and other Martial
Arts, Hiking, Basketball, Soccer, most sports, the list is
endless. Within these there are many variations as well.
Don't feel like you have to join a gym or purchase expensive
equipment. That is simply not true. You can start with simple
things like taking the stairs, walking at lunch time or after
work. There are also lots of inexpensive but very helpful videos
and books that teach aerobic, yoga, palettes and exercises for
each muscle group to help you get started. So, with this
information and now knowing you have lots of choices lets get up
and move toward being healthier and happier.