Regular physical activity is important throughout life. Everyone both young and old should include regular physical activity into their everyday lives. This does not have to be done by being a member of a gym or by doing committing to a special routine. It is good enough to choose activities that fit into your daily life style that will speed your heart rate and breathing, or increase your strength and flexibility. Some good examples are walking to work, gardening, taking extra stairs, or mowing the lawn with a push mower. There are other benefits to regular exercise besides building strength and aerobic fitness. It helps to relieves stress, it gives motivation, helps you relax, and sleep. These activities reduces heart disease and risk of colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
So just how much activity do you need? You should talk to your doctor about how much exercise is right for you. A good goal for many people is to work up to exercising 4 to 6 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. Remember, though, that exercise has so many benefits that any amount is better than none. .
You should start out slowly. Say begin with a 10-minute period of light exercise or a brisk walk every day and gradually increase how hard you exercise and for how long. You should make it a habit. Stick to a regular time every day. Things that can help you would be to sign a contract committing yourself to exercise. Maybe even put ting "exercise appointments" on your calendar. Keep a daily log or diary of your activities. Check your progress. Can you walk a certain distance faster now than when you began? Or is your heart rate slower now? .
So what is the best exercise? The best exercise is the one that you will do. Walking is considered one of the best choices because it's easy, safe and cheap. Brisk walking can burn as many calories as running. It doesn't require any training or special equipment, except for good shoes.
