People mostly talk about it in terms of helping them lose weight.
Now, while it is true that regular physical activity accounts for 15-20% of the process of losing weight (a crucial 15-20% nonetheless) - the rest of the process, by far the most important aspect, is your nutrition - regular exercise has several other real health benefits.
So real are these health benefits, exercise has been called 'the miracle cure we've always had but neglected to use...'! Here are just a few of these benefits you get from regular exercise:
- It increases insulin sensitivity - making it a very necessary part of your treatment if you've got Type 2 Diabetes
- Improves your bone density and thus prevents osteoporosis; promotes supple joints and can prevent arthritis
- Improves your brain function and potentially prevents Alzheimer's and other dementia
- Has been shown to be more effective than antidepressants, in treating depression
- Improves your sex life (bet that'll get your attention!)
- Increases your 'good' (HDL) cholesterol level
- Keeps your bowels functioning regularly
- Helps protect against certain cancers
- Improves your mood, helps you focus and concentrate more, thus enhances your performance and productivity.
- Lengthens your life
- Improves your blood pressure
- Aerobic/cardio
- Strength training/resistance training
- Flexibility training/stretching.
To get you started, here's a list of 10 fun exercises you can do and make part of your routine, but I suggest you pop into your local leisure centre and get free advice from a personal trainer on which of these to do, how often, etc.
I'll be posting more on these in due time, but if you're not sure of any exercise mentioned below you can youtube it and see some demonstrations.
- Walking
- Jump rope
- Dumbbell exercises
- Jumping Jacks
- Push ups
but seriously though:
- Lunges (with or without dumb bells)
- Burpees
- Pull ups
- Fitness Ball
- Resistance Band stretches.
- CyclingI know I said I'd give you 10 but I do like to go the extra mile :)
There are lots more no-cost exercises you can incorporate into your life.
Where there is a will there's a way.
Always.
Quit making excuses for not exercising: get going already!
If you've got joint problems that make you unable to walk or cycle and such, do the non-impact exercises and include weight training with dumb bells in your regime. You can do this!
What are your thoughts on this issue? Please comment below.
PS: Please contact your doctor for an assessment to confirm that you are fit to start any exercise program or other lifestyle change, before you get started.
About the Author:
Dr Kem Thompson is a General Practitioner, Author and Speaker. She specializes in Healthy Lifestyle medicine and is passionate about Health & Fitness, Personal Development, Success Principles and Women's issues.
Subscribe today to her no-nonsense FREE 'Health & Success Newsletter' to receive practical tips, techniques and strategies you can use NOW to improve your health and life. You will receive 2 thank-you gifts when you subscribe at http://www.doctorkem.com
Dr Kem Thompson is a General Practitioner, Author and Speaker. She specializes in Healthy Lifestyle medicine and is passionate about Health & Fitness, Personal Development, Success Principles and Women's issues.
Subscribe today to her no-nonsense FREE 'Health & Success Newsletter' to receive practical tips, techniques and strategies you can use NOW to improve your health and life. You will receive 2 thank-you gifts when you subscribe at http://www.doctorkem.com
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