Family Doctor 2007 - (Page 69) healthy living EXERCISE Exercise: The elixir of life Too busy to exercise? That’s like saying you’re too busy to breathe. Both are key to health. Exercise is so beneficial that it’s worth getting started now — no matter your age. By Sarah J. West ‘No pain, no gain’? Pshaw! Common misperceptions about exercise include that it must be painful to be effective and that you must do it for long periods of time. Not so! While a good workout should present a bit of a challenge, it shouldn’t cause pain. And just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity 5 or more days a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous activity 3 or more days a week — enough time for a brisk walk, perhaps, or a quick game of hoops — adds up over time to put you well on your way to better health and a greater sense of wellbeing. old habits are hard to break. That’s a daunting combination. But exercise is worth the effort! Check out the perks (see next page) to jump-start your motivation. Then keep reading to find out about the different types of exercise you can try on for size. E xercise is powerful medicine. It’s one of the most important ways you can improve your health. So why is it so challenging to get started? New habits are hard to make, and If you simply don’t enjoy exercise, then try looking at it as part of taking care of your body, much like brushing your teeth or washing your hair. It may not always be fun to you, but it’s an important “must-do” for your overall health! Involve the experts Knocking down roadblocks Why isn’t exercise already part of your lifestyle? Maybe you feel so overloaded both at work and at home that exercise seems like just one more chore. Perhaps you have health issues that limit what you’re able to do, or you feel so out of shape that it seems hopeless to even start. When you make exercise part of your lifestyle, you’ll be amazed at how these reasons simply disappear. Working out eases life’s stresses. It helps you lose weight and feel better about your body. And it helps you perform better and more confidently, both in sports and in life. Bottom line: You’ll be glad you started! Before you get started, check with your family doctor, especially if you’re just starting out, have health problems or are pregnant. Then, depending on your exercise plan, talk to another expert. A good trainer or exercise physiologist can help you create and follow a program that’s right for you. Get moving! Just about any activity is better than none. A good goal initially is simply to increase your level of activity from its current level. Think creatively. Do light floor exercises as you’re watching TV. familydoctor 2007 69
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