Monday, October 18, 2010

Simple Exercises for a Healthier You

Experts recommend one hour of moderate physical activity every day. What can you do to get more active on a tight budget or schedule?

• Walking. Walking is a cardiovascular activity, which helps keep your heart healthy. The brisker the walk, the more calories you will burn, and the more you will work your heart and other muscles to their full potential. Furthermore, walking can be done at any time of day, so if you have a busy schedule, you can fit your exercise in whenever you can. It is also low-impact, which leaves you less prone to injury, and all you need is a pair of good walking shoes.

• Climb Stairs. Climbing stairs is a great way to firm up several core muscle groups, including your legs, butt, and stomach. That's not all—several recent studies at Harvard show that people who climbed an average of 8 flights of stairs a day had a 33% lower mortality rate than those with a sedentary lifestyle. Take 15-30 minutes on your lunch break, and you'll be on your way to a healthier you.

• Stretching. Stretching promotes flexibility, range of motion, and better circulation. Stretching should be done before and after exercising, but it is also beneficial to practice on its own. Studies have also shown that stretching can promote mental well-being and improve energy levels.

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