“Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”
We’ve all heard this mantra before.
It is particularly true about exercise. Not many people find the
thought of regular exercise appealing. It is a bit of a chore at the best of
times.
Some of the things that can put the kibosh on wanting to run, walk, or go on a
hike can be listed quite easily:
• You haven’t found the right type of exercise for yourself yet – nothing
appeals to you
• You haven’t found the time to get into a regular form of exercise
• You are recovering from an injury and have reservations about exposing
yourself to any possible hurts in an unknown environment.
• You are fed up with the financial commitments/hard sell tactics that gym
membership entails
• The weather is bad. The thought of going out into the freezing cold or
boiling heat is a nightmare
• You live in an urban or suburban area where the surroundings are not a good
idea to move around in at certain times; these are the times when you feel like
exercising
This is the scenario for many folks who want to get into the good habits of
breaking a sweat. The good news is that you have taken the first step to
changing your inactivity pattern simply by starting to read this article.
The Benefits of Starting Exercise
We all want to live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Regular exercise is
the key to getting those three things.
Boost Your Happiness Levels
Clinical studies have found that regular exercise of any kind leads to the
participant having more positive and pleasant feelings. The surge of endorphins
from movement, whether it is vigorous, moderate, or mild, raise your mood and
puts a smile on your face.
Your Health Will Improve
This is a long list so you can sit down for this one. Any movement that raises
your heart rate even slightly will reduce your risk of high cholesterol and
heart disease. When you commit to doing strength training, like stretching or
lifting, it will help to improve your muscle strength and flexibility. This
leads to stronger bones which combats osteoporosis. The increase in muscle tone
helps your body burn calories more efficiently and raises your metabolism. A
regular workout fortifies your immune system and you will not be as prone to
disease and infection.
Mini-Workouts are Better Than None at All
Even a small flurry of speed can have a beneficial effect on your health. Just
20 or 30 minutes of raising your heart beat a small amount 3 to 5 times a week
has been proven to lead to a longer life span than those who stay dormant. You
will sleep better and feel more energetic which will expand your lifespan
considerably. Even soft forms of aerobic exercise like jogging slowly/walking
briskly and swimming have been shown to boost the part of the brain responsible
for memory and learning.
All those positive benefits are definitely worth the consideration of trying to
get a little exercise into your life.
Useful Cheats
The best way to start a little daily or weekly exercise is to look to your home
first. This is the place where you are most comfortable and safe. Some of the
routine stuff you do here can surprisingly count as exercise. You are warm and
dry, there is no one watching, and you can go at your own pace with no
judgement.
• Housecleaning is a great way to break a sweat AND have a productive time
making your home look amazing. Reaching up to dust, wiping down the shower
walls, and sponging the floors are all good ways to exert yourself
• Gardening is good for the body and will showcase your efforts to the world
• If you stay in an apartment, think about investing in a piece of exercise
equipment. This gives you a chance to have instant access to exercise where and
when you want to do it
• If you have a spacious bedroom, spare room, or living area, think about
buying/renting a larger piece of exercise equipment that will always be
accessible when the mood to move hits you. It will save so much money on gym
fees and jogs your memory to exercise just by being visible
When your health, mood, and body start to show that your new attitude and
exercise regimen is working, working out will become less of a chore and more
of a treat. Start today! No excuses – you will feel the difference on every
level.
Let's start with a treadmill hire :)