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Exercise

Why is Exercise Important?

Exercise and physical activity are preventive measures for physical and mental disorders such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression. Regular and daily physical activity benefit the process of aging by promoting bone, muscle and joint health as well as heart and lung strength. Scientific studies have also shown that regular physical activity reduces the risk of certain cancers.

Physical activity is any movement of our muscles in activities ranging from moderate walking and gardening, to more rigorous activities such as brisk walking and light cycling. Exercise is a regimented and more demanding form of physical activity such as daily jogging where we try to achieve and maintain a certain heart rate over a period of time.

Whether light or rigorous, it is important to maintain a regular and daily habit of physical activity in our lives. 30 minutes a day is the least we can do for ourselves!

 

 

 

TIPS

Pushing Yourself too Hard

Sore muscles are normal after a vigorous workout, especially when you are just beginning an exercise routine. However when you experience pain during exercise it is a warning sign that you are pushing yourself too hard and something may be wrong.

Watch out for these symptoms and stop exercising immediately if you:

  • Feel sick or dizzy
  • Experience muscle cramps
  • Experience an unusual shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure
  • Feel sharp pain in your joints, feet or ankles

First Steps

  • Every little bit helps – take the stairs instead of the elevator or park your car in the farthest spot from your destination and walk.
  • Choose activities you enjoy.
  • Be consistent – adopting an exercise routine takes time – stick with it until it is part of your normal routine.
  • Don’t overdo – start slowly and pay attention to what your body tells you.

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