THE NEED FOR REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Regular physical activity is necessary for preventing chronic diseases, increasing energy levels, lowering stress, and keeping a healthy weight, among other important benefits. The following are some of the ways to improve physical activity
Find an activity you enjoy: It shouldn’t be discomforting to exercise. Find physical activities that you enjoy doing, whether they be dancing, hiking, swimming, cycling, or participating in sports. You’re more likely to be consistent over time if you enjoy what you’re doing.
Start slow and gradually increase intensity: If you’re new to exercising or returning after a break, it’s crucial to start cautiously and increase intensity gradually. Start out with low-impact exercises like swimming or walking, and over time, progressively up the time commitment and intensity. This lowers the possibility of harm while allowing your body to adapt.
Mix it up: Variety is the flavor of life, and your exercise program should reflect this maxim. To work multiple muscle groups and enhance overall fitness, combine cardiovascular, strength-training, and flexibility activities. To keep things interesting, try out new classes, join a group exercise program, or try out other training approaches.
Keep Moving: For general fitness, most adults should aim for 10,000 steps per day, with fewer than 5,000 steps being a sign of a sedentary lifestyle. It’s a good idea to find out how many steps a day you walk now, as your own baseline. Then you can work up toward the goal of 10,000 steps by aiming to add 1,000 extra steps a day every two weeks. Other ways to achieve this target include; Take short breaks , Keep a step tracker, use the stairs, Incorporate walking into your commute.
Observe your body: During exercise, pay heed to your body’s cues. To prevent injury, it’s critical to stop or alter your routine if you feel pain or discomfort. To avoid muscular pain, always warm up before a workout and cool down afterwards with stretching activities.
Water is Life: Maintaining optimal performance while exercise requires staying hydrated. Water should be consumed before, during, and after exercise to replace fluids lost through perspiration. If you’re exercising vigorously or for an extended period of time, you might want to replace electrolytes with sports drinks.
You are what you eat: A good diet and exercise go hand in hand. Consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains to fuel your body. Within an hour of your workout, remember to refuel with a balanced meal or snack to promote muscle recovery.
In conclusion, always keep in mind that pursuing an active lifestyle will lead to a healthier, happier you. Let exercise become a vital part of your life by embracing the joy of movement.