Increasing Physical Activity

Exercise is important in daily life, as it serves to maintain a healthy body. During these summer months it is a great time to increase your exercise and get active. Regardless of your shape, size or age, physical activity has been shown to add years to your life, and life to your years. Believe it or not, the benefits of physical activity are not restricted to exercise performed in the gym. In fact, one of the easiest ways to improve your health may be through increasing the amount of low intensity physical activity you perform throughout the day.

10 simple ways to increase your physical activity:

1. Take the stairs as much as possible- This one is as simple as it sounds. If you have to go up two floors or less, opt for the stairs. If you have to go up or down a distance that is too great for you to walk at the moment, walk the first few flights, then take the elevator the rest of the way. Remember, every time you take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, you are making a decision that will positively affect your long term health.

2. Park further away from your destination- No matter where you are going; parking at the edge of the parking lot can help your body in more ways then one. Walking from where you parked your car to the door, will add only a few seconds to your trip but add a few years to your life.

3. Stand when you can- Whether you are watching TV, making a phone call, or playing a game, try standing instead of sitting. Just a simple choice can help you become more active.

4. Put down the remote control- Instead of using the controller, get up to change the channel or volume on the television set and radio.

5. Buy a pedometer-Pedometers are beeper-sized gadgets that count the number of steps that you take each day. They are a terrific way to measure the amount of physical activity you are getting each day, and can also serve as a great motivator to make the decision to walk whenever possible.  An awesome fact includes that just 2000 steps is the same as walking one mile.

6. Go for a family walk or bike ride after dinner- Instead of sitting down after dinner to watch a movie or read a book, think about taking a 30 minute walk or bike ride. This is an easy way to spend time together as a family, to be in your environment outside and to have fun exercising!

7. Drink plenty of water- With enough water in your diet you will be able to better hydrate your whole body. This includes your brain, heart and muscles. This increases your daily energy and flushes out anything bad with in your body, including the flu! Even better, if you sip on water daily either at work or at home, you know that you will have to go to the bathroom at least every hour. This will give you a fantastic excuse to get up and walk to the bathroom!

8. Forget the phone and emailing-Deliver messages in person where possible, avoid sending emails to someone that is 5 desks away, or picking up the phone to speak to someone who is at the other end of the hall – walk!

9. Get 8 hours of sleep at night- When you have 8 hours of sleep each night you will find yourself feeling more energetic as well as having a better memory. Sleep also helps us fight against chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure and relieves stress.

10. Cleaning your home- A lot of people do not realize how important cleaning your home can be. Not only do you get rid of dust mites and other disease filled critters but you also use almost every muscle in your body while moving, stretching, walking and lifting.

These 10 simple steps will help you get on the right track towards optimal health. Enjoy!

Post Title : Increasing Physical Activity

Increasing Physical Activity,

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Increasing Physical Activity