03 Mar Add a little activity to your day…here’s why
Good news! Research tells us there are health benefits to even short periods of physical activity – like 10 minutes. It also suggests several mini workouts throughout the day may be more effective than a single session at the gym when it comes to countering an otherwise sedentary day and optimizing our health. Suddenly a little exercise seems do-able for everyone… even couch potatoes.
Here are six reasons to hop off the bus of subway a stop or two early; to turn your coffee break into a brisk walk; and to walk the kids to school instead of driving them. A little extra exercise can go a long way!
Exercise fights chronic disease: Regular exercise can help prevent or manage high blood pressure as well as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and many types of cancer.
Exercise improves your mood: Stressful day? Exercise stimulates brain chemicals that can leave you happier and more relaxed. Regular physical activity can even help prevent and treat mild to moderate depression.
Exercise can help you maintain your weight: Although exercise alone rarely leads to weight loss, it can help with weight maintenance. A number of studies suggest people who are overweight but active, outlive those who are slim but inactive. Regardless of the number on the scale, exercise is important for our health.
Exercise can add spark to your sex life: Too tired to have sex? Regular activity can leave you with enough energy for a little something-something.
Exercise promotes better sleep: Physical activity can lead to better sleep, but don’t exercise too close to bedtime — it could backfire and keep you up.
Boost your energy level: Exercise can give you more energy to get through your busy day. Instead of heading to the vending machine for a chocolate bar, grab your water bottle and take a brisk 10-minute walk.
