We already know that physical fitness is good for you. What you may not realize is just how much of a game changer it really is!
Matching your exercise to your specific goals can make fitness more enjoyable and a hell of a lot more efficient.
Here is how to match your workout to your desired goal:
If you want more energy:
Do any type of exercise 3-4 times per week. Regular exercise has been shown to increase energy and reduce fatigue in adults of all ages with various health conditions, even the kinds that cause exhaustion like fibromyalgia. Exercise evens out your fluid and salt balance, helps your body use sugar ( in the bloodstream) and burns fat. Plain and simple exercise fundamentally helps you feel better.
If you want to limit your doctor’s visits:
Sitting is the new smoking. Research shows the more you sit the more risk you have of developing any and every type of disease. Aim to hit just 7000 steps a day and you VASTLY improve your health. You can do anything from, gardening to dancing, to just getting up and walking across the office. ALL MOVEMENT COUNTS!
If you want to ease a chronic health problem:
It may seem safer and more tempting to avoid exercise, but that’s exactly what you SHOULDNT be doing. Exercise actually eases the symptoms of most chronic conditions such as arthritis, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure. In fact, regular exercise can even reverse these symptoms! To ease some symptoms START OFF SLOW. Start with just 10 minutes of walking several times a week. you want to build strength and endurance over the course of several months.
If you are trying to lose weight or keep it off:
Combine strength training and cardio. Exercise alone won’t take the extra poundage off you have to curb that appetite a bit more.That being said recent research shows that those who manage to keep the pounds off do so by including strength training and cardio as regular parts of their lifestyle.
If you want to be less stressed or depressed:
Exercise regularaly but not too hard. The number 1 reason to get excited about exercise is that it makes you feel great! Folks who engage in regular exercise and physical activity tend to have less stress and anxiety and higher self-esteem than do those who are inactive during the tough times.Aerobic exercise is especially effective mood booster, but don’t limit yourself. other forms of training like yoga and Thai Chi can help too. Exercise takes you out of your head, it’s harder to worry when you’re focusing on where you’re walking or whether you can hit the tennis ball. It also increases mood-boosting brain chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins which ease pain and increase pleasure while lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Whatever goal you have, get up, get active and get moving!
