Making Time For Exercise

By now you know that exercise is good for you, and that you should do something on a regular basis. Whats the best time for you to exercise? Anytime. Honestly. For example, when youre sitting and watching TV, stretch your muscles. Never stretch so hard it hurts. Rather, stretch to the point of mild tension and hold the stretch for to seconds. A healthy exercise program includes three kinds of exercise: aerobic activity, muscular strengthening and flexibility exercise. You can start your exercise program without investing in any elaborate equipment. For example, you can do simple exercises at home or at your desk at work, including sit-ups, push-ups and pull-ups. For basic body weight exercises, weight-lifting equipment isnt required. Head for the kitchen and pick up the soup cans you have in the cupboard. AEROBIC ACTIVITY CAN BE FUN Aerobic activity is defined as prolonged continuous movement of large muscle groups. Translated, that means do something that keeps you moving. Ideally, do it for minutes straight. If you dont have that much time, two -minute aerobic activity sessions will benefit you almost as much. The good thing about aerobic activity is that it includes many of the sports you probably already enjoy. Walking, biking, hiking, dancing, swimming, even basketball are all examples of aerobic exercise. Another good thing is that you can easily accomplish those two -minute sessions with things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking around the neighbourhood after work or parking your car farther away. You could even turn shopping into an aerobic activity. Shopping is walking, so dont stop for minutes straight and youve worked in one of your daily sessions! Check with your local mall for mall walker programs, and youll have company. Aerobic exercise is definitely good for cardiovascular health and fitness. And heres something else youll like: Aerobic activity can help you lose fat weight. PLENTY OF GOOD EXERCISE ALL AROUND THE HOUSE If you do housework or yard work, youre doing yourself a favor. The stretching and lifting housework entails is good exercise. So is work you do outside. Yard work uses many muscle groups, especially activities like planting and working in the garden. Raking uses your arm and back muscles. Digging gives your arms and legs a workout. And gardening provides a bonus: Youll have more fresh vegetables and fruits to add to your diet. IS ONE TIME BETTER THAN ANOTHER TO EXERCISE? Its really up to you. You can exercise in the morning, afternoon or evening. Lunch breaks offer an excellent opportunity to get out of the office and exercise. Use your coffee break to take a short walk around the office. Get rid of the days stress by fitting in an exercise session after work. Whatever time you choose, make sure you stick with it. For some people, its easier to stay with an exercise program when you do it with a friend or co-worker. MAKE TIME TO STAY HEALTHY Exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself. If youre basically healthy, get going right now. If youre + or have any health problems, consult your Doctor first.