Ten tips to improve your health, mental well-being and fitness through exercise
Today’s sedentary lifestyle has a negative effect on our state of mind and our cardiovascular health, but many people are exercise-averse. Start simply by standing up properly, then walk mindfully and follow these 10 steps to success
There are many reasons that people avoid exercise. Time is an obvious one. Our lives are already busy – who has time to work out? Money is another common excuse. Gym memberships and equipment can get pricey.
People often wonder what type of exercise they should do. There are many different forms and so much confusing information that it can be unclear what’s best. People also worry that they’ll get injured. Exercise can be fun until you get hurt, so it may seem easier to just avoid it. Many also wonder what the point of putting forth all that effort is. Although some crave that adrenaline rush, others don’t understand what the fuss is all about.
Why physically and mentally endure exercise?
Although there may be logical reasons to avoid exercise, it’s not a justifiable option. Most of us don’t move enough, and it’s affecting our health. We live in a sedentary culture and must incorporate more movement into our daily routines. Regular activity can have a positive effect on our weight, mood, cardiovascular health, blood pressure, stress management and blood-sugar levels.
What many forget is that there is a form of exercise that bypasses most of the excuses above: steps. Adding steps into your daily routine can make a big difference.
Steps are simple but require mindfulness. To walk, we must learn to stand properly. If done correctly, standing and walking can work your entire body for the better.
With a solid standing stance, find ways to incorporate more steps into your day to increase activity.
● Get some fresh air and walk outside every day. Even one to five minutes helps if that’s all the time you have.
● Set a very small goal. Start with 100 extra steps. You can count the steps or use a pedometer or wearable device.
● Step side to side. Start by doing it 10 times per foot. You can do this while watching TV, working on your computer or talking on the phone.
● Get competitive. Many step apps allow you to share your steps with a community. This can be motivating for many who hate to lose or like being held accountable.
● Walk when you’re feeling tired. A high-intensity workout may seem unappealing when you’re feeling sluggish, but a long walk may be just right.
● Create a new routine. Start with five minutes and work up to a goal of at least 10 minutes. Consider incorporating a walk into your morning, midday or evening routine.
● Start doing more action-filled activities. Go on a hike instead of to the cinema. Stroll across the city to your favourite restaurant. Walk home from a party.
Whether you prefer an app, pedometer or wearable device, using one to monitor your steps can make you more likely to walk. It can also make you more accountable, help you set goals (a common recommendation is 10,000 steps per day) and stoke friendly competition with your community or even just yourself. If you’re feeling extremely unmotivated, this may be exactly what you need to form a habit.
Start with walking one minute a day so that it’s not time-consuming. There’s no need to make it a high-intensity workout. Just put one foot in front of the other.
