This month, many schools and organizations are educating students, employees, and the public about the benefits of being active. Research suggest that as little as 30 minutes of daily exercise can provide added benefits to your health, reducing the risk of heart disease, type two diabetes, and some types of cancer. Physical activity might also improve cognitive function, in addition to improving stamina and balance, which might lower the risk of falls.
Because childhood obesity is on the rise, the importance of stressing physical activity among children is vitally important. Childhood obesity not only increases risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but also high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Obese adolescents also run the risk of developing pre-diabetes and sleep apnea, in addition to social and psychological concerns.
The thought of starting any exercise program can be daunting especially if you have not engaged in any physical activity for quite some time; however don’t let this be a deterrent. Any amount of exercise initially can have benefits, the key is to start off slow and gradually build. Other tips that you may find helpful in getting you off the couch or your child off of the computer may include the following.
1. Start with a good stretch. Stretching increases your flexibility and can limit injury to your muscles. It gets blood circulating and may invigorate you to move more. Stretching also helps with achiness before and after exercise.
2. Find something that you like to do that will not feel like work. If you like house cleaning, gardening, and walking in the park, these all count toward exercise.
3. If you have autoimmune issues, elicit the help of health professionals such as massage therapists, physical therapists, or chiropractors to help you work through the aches, pains, and flare-ups that might accompany frequent or rigorous exercise. Enlisting the help of a nutritionist might also help you find the right mix of foods and supplements to promote energy.
4. Enlist the help of a partner for accountability. When we are accountable to someone other than ourselves, we tend to make fewer excuses.
5. Don’t give up. It takes time to develop a daily habit of exercise. Be consistent and stick with it. If you fall off the wagon or find yourself skipping more days than desired, reassess your strategy and the reasons why you choose to get moving. Improved quality of life and health can be a motivating factor.
Need a little help getting started? Check out some of these St. Louis locales that can help you do just that.
• Omni Physical Therapy: Offering massage, fitness, and physical therapy
• Nutriformance: Personal trainers, registered dietitians, physical therapists, sports performance coaches, licensed massage therapists, fitness center
• Massage Envy: Facials, and massage
