Exercise and Why You Need It TODAY!

23 Mar Exercise and Why You Need It TODAY!

Some days are a struggle to make time to exercise. Here are a few facts about exercise that can help to get you up and moving.

Exercise can:

• improve fitness level
• improve muscle tone
• prevent sagging skin
• increase metabolism
• improve cardiovascular health
• promote sleep
• relieve stress
• release endorphins, the feel good chemicals in the brain, improving mood.
• cure diseases such as some forms of heart disease and cancer
• help with arthritis
• reverse depression

Now that you know why you should exercise, here are a few nifty tips to help you get off the couch!Tip #1: Use the 5 minute rule. Give yourself just 5 minutes to get up and off the couch to begin a workout regimen. If you are still not in the mood to get moving after 5 full minutes, give yourself a rest and try again tomorrow. However, try not to sit down for at least an hour before lying down for bed.
Tip #2: Sit up and down 10 times before sitting down in the chair before watching TV.

Tip #3: Stand up every 30 minutes during the day and take a short walk every hour that you are sedentary.

Tip #4: During a commercial break: Hold a plank for 30 seconds; 30 Bicycle Crunches; 30 Crunches; and 30 Reverse Crunches. 

Tip #5: Make time for yourself! Make a date with yourself (or with a loved one/friend) to go on a daily stroll outdoors. Whether it be first thing in the morning, on a break at work, or after dinner… walk around a school track, cruise through the mall before it opens, or stroll through your neighborhood. Take in the fresh air and maybe a good conversation or upbeat song, too. It will boost your mood and activity levels. Aim for 10,000 steps per day!