Our busy schedules sometimes leave little time for physical activity. After a hectic day, choosing between the couch and the treadmill can be very difficult. But, regular physical activity must be part of a balanced life. Making a few lifestyle adjustments will not only leave you with time to exercise but will provide more energy to enjoy the things you really love.
Be honest with your time
Do you really have no time to exercise or just don’t feel like working out? It is easier to plop down on the couch after work – but that’s even more sitting after spending the whole day at your desk and in traffic. So, do some exercises before watching your favourite show and split your activity times into 10-minute slots. This is because 10 minutes is easier to carve out of your day than 30 to 45 minutes.
The benefits
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set out guidelines on the benefits of regular physical activity, which much more than just losing weight. Better bone density and skeletal muscle mass are generally better in active adults than in inactive individuals. This demonstrates that, compared with their less active counterparts, active individuals have lower rates of all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, depression, metabolic syndrome as well as colon and breast cancers. However, should you have a chronic illness, get consent from your medical doctor first then see a biokineticist to develop the correct training programme that is specifically suited to you. If you are a part of a wellness programme, such as Discovery Vitality, you will also receive points if you do a Vitality Fitness Assessment with a biokineticist. People with a higher cardiorespiratory fitness have a lower risk of early mortality and early chronic disease development, so get those heart muscles working. If you are a Vitality Active Rewards member you’re in luck as you can now get up to 75% cash back on heart rate fitness devices.
Start small
Do you take the elevator or escalator? Can’t remember the last time you worked out? Now is the time to get active by taking small steps using stairs. You can also get up early and start with a simple workout before getting ready for work. All you need is 10 minutes; so leave your phone for a few minutes and get moving! One of the easiest and effective exercises is walking or running. Why not dust off those running shoes and go for a parkrun? Your body will thank you.
Your own cheerleader
Wouldn’t you like your own cheerleader? Then join a programme that will help you reach your goals, like Discovery Vitality. The programme’s data shows an average increase of 25% in activity levels after joining in. And, with so many rewards available, who wouldn’t want to join?
Visit us here. Facebook: @discoveryvitality and Twitter: @Discovery_SA
