Exercise is a Way of Life
Exercise is undoubtedly an important part of life; it is safe to say that the majority of us know that keeping an active lifestyle should be at the top of our list of things to do. However, due to other commitments such as work, there can be times when we feel that we do not have the time to do some working out. Things can get even trickier if young children are also thrown into the equation.
Our bodies need exercise; in fact, they crave it. Exercise helps reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and other diseases and ailments. To add to this, exercise helps you control your weight, increases your stamina, improves your posture, reduces stress levels and helps you get a better night’s sleep (everyone loves a good night’s sleep).
How Often Should You Exercise?
So, you have now read the above and have decided that it is time that you start exercising a bit more. However, having decided on this, you are now sitting there wondering how exactly you will be able to add daily exercise into your already busy life. Well don’t worry, as we are not suggesting that you must work out every single day of the week for an hour or two at a time.
In fact, it is often recommended that you do at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. Therefore, if we are going to stick by these guidelines, you should be aiming at something along the lines of 30 minutes each day, five days a week. Surely you can find a spare 150 minutes each week; it is, after all, for your own good. If you really do not think that you have that amount of time to spare for exercise, then cut it down to what you think you can manage. After all, some exercise is better than no exercise.
It is often assumed that the more you work out, the better. However, this is wrong, as doing too much too quickly will only have negative effects on your body such as ligament, muscle and tendon strains, loss of lean muscle, a weaker immune system due to extreme tiredness, and the inability to sleep due to more adrenaline being pumped around your body.
Set Realistic Expectations
You know your body better than anyone else does. Therefore, it is up to you, and nobody else, to set yourself realistic expectations and goals when it comes down to your new exercise routine.
Different Aerobic Exercises That You Can Do
During aerobic exercises, your heart pumps oxygenated blood throughout your body to whatever muscles are being worked. The aim of aerobic exercises is to help improve your body’s oxygen consumption. Our muscles are engines that run on fuels such as fats and carbohydrates; however, our muscles need oxygen in order to be able to turn this fuel into energy. Therefore, the more oxygen that your muscles can consume, the more fuel you can burn and the fitter you become.
In general, the intensity of this type of exercise is moderate and the exercise itself generally lasts a lengthy period of time (yes, this does include 30 minute sessions).
There are many different types of aerobic exercises that you can do. These include walking or jogging, cycling, swimming, hiking, rowing, dancing, skipping etc. Simply choose the activity that works best for you, set yourself a schedule, and stick to it.
