Content provided by the Health & Wellness Team at GBS Benefits
Staying active isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s about enhancing your overall well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity will improve your health in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer a brisk walk in the park, a yoga session, or hitting the gym, finding activities you enjoy can make staying active a pleasure rather than a chore. Start your journey to a healthier lifestyle with these practical tips to keep you motivated and on track.
Benefits of an Active Lifestyle
Being active can help lower your risk of several chronic diseases by lowering blood pressure, boosting levels of good cholesterol, improving blood flow, and preventing bone loss. Physical activity improves flexibility, mobility, and energy levels, helping you complete daily activities more easily. Being active also improves sleep, boosts your mood, and strengthens your immune system. Discover activities that not only bring you joy and serve as stress relievers but also provide opportunities for social interaction to energize your social life. The benefits are endless!
Get Moving
Engaging in any activity is beneficial, even if it’s in small increments. The recommended guidelines suggest aiming for 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. If this feels daunting, break it into shorter sessions spread throughout your day or week. Aerobic activities, such as taking brisk walks, using the stairs, raking leaves, or cleaning vigorously, all contribute to meeting these goals. Utilizing breaks for short walks, push-ups, or jumping jacks can also boost your overall activity levels effectively.
Incorporate strength training at least twice a week. This is especially important as we age and progressively lose muscle and bone density. Try out a weightlifting class at your local rec center, racket sports, yoga, or Pilates.
Helpful Tips
Find activities that work for your life phase and that you enjoy, whether that be playing with your kids at the park, going for a walk, or spending time in the gym.
Define your goals and motivation. This could be being a happier friend or parent, being able to do a certain number of push-ups or pull-ups, or having more energy. Find a deeper motivation beyond body size and weight.
Consider incorporating affirmations, such as I am an active individual, I enjoy moving my body, I make time to take care of my body, or I am an athlete.
Create a plan. Assess barriers that have previously kept you from being active and write down ways to remove those barriers.
Track your progress. Revisit your cardiorespiratory, muscular, or flexibility levels. Note changes in mood, sleep, or energy levels. Consider how to progress your routine.
Reference: https://www.drugs.com/cg/benefits-of-an-active-lifestyle.html
