Keep it moving
Published:Wednesday | February 9, 2022 | 12:09 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer -
IF YOU are someone who feels frustrated when you hear that you need to exercise daily, it is time to understand it is all about movement and there is very little that needs to be involved. It is time to stop thinking of daily exercise as a commitment with minimum requirements like running five miles or bench-pressing your weight. The demand can be far less taxing and should fit your fitness level.
From your brain to your joints, moving every day has the power to improve every part of your body, and it is not just about high-impact, sweat-inducing exercise, either. It is simple, whether you choose to implement small movements into your routine or try a new activity like cycling or yoga, increasing your daily mobility can help improve your overall health.
You can start with small movements that can have a significant impact on both your physical and mental health, and you can do them all from the comfort of your home or work without changing into gym clothes. You can try body stretches for 10 minutes, walk laps around the house when you are on a call, walk around the neighbourhood, or practise 15 minutes of yoga. All your movement adds up.
BENEFITS OF MOVEMENT:
MUSCLES: You have more than 600 muscles in your body that contribute to about 40 per cent of your total body weight. By moving, you are strengthening your muscles, which improve stability, balance, and coordination. Do not forget, stretching helps maintain your muscle health as well.
BONES: Movement helps build more durable, denser bones. Bone-building activities like resistance training (weights), weight-bearing exercises (jogging, walking, hiking), and balance training (yoga) can support better bone density.
JOINTS: Yoga is all about body awareness, so you are compelled to pay attention to each movement. By being aware of how you move, you can increase coordination and balance, be mindful of the positioning of your joints, and relax. Plus, yoga encourages flexibility and range-of-motion, which boosts joint flexibility and joint function.
BRAIN: Walking 30-40 minutes a day three times per week can help ‘regrow’ the structures of the brain linked to cognitive decline in older adults. If you are working from home or tend to sit more often, make an effort to take walks.
HEART: We can avoid fatal heart incidences each year if we keep fit, so start moving and try cycling to improve your heart health. Regular cycling can cut your risk of heart disease by 50 per cent.
LUNGS: Keeping your rate up improves your cardiorespiratory endurance. Circuit training with a personal trainer or in a group fitness class is a perfect solution. But again, you do not have to perform a high-intensity movement.
Find something or several activities you love to do and commit to it daily. Just move and avoid inactivity! If you enjoy taking walks, set a reminder, and make it happen. If you are interested in yoga but have not yet made the leap, try a group exercise class. If you used to run and want to pick it back up, just do it.
Exercise and physical activity can be enjoyable. They give you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun, social setting.
So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a football team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. If you get bored, try something new, or do something with friends or family.