Do we get enough exercise from our daily activities? I probably am repeating myself but why not?

“Most Americans get little vigorous exercise at work or during leisure hours. Today, only a few jobs require vigorous physical activity. People usually ride in cars or buses and watch TV during their free time rather than be physically active. Activities like golfing and bowling provide people with some benefit. But they do not provide the same benefits as regular, more vigorous exercise.

Evidence suggests that even low- to moderate-intensity activities can have both short- and long-term benefits. If done daily, they help lower your risk of heart disease. Such activities include pleasure walking, stair climbing, gardening, yard work, moderate to heavy housework, dancing and home exercise. More vigorous exercise can help improve fitness of the heart and lungs, which can provide even more consistent benefits for lowering heart disease risk.

Today, many people are rediscovering the benefits of regular, vigorous exercise – activities like swimming, brisk walking, running, or jumping rope. These kinds of activities are sometimes called “aerobic” – meaning the body uses oxygen to produce the energy needed for the activity. Aerobic exercises can condition your heart and lungs if performed at the proper intensity for at least 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week.

But you don’t have to train like a marathon runner to become more physically fit! Any activity that gets you moving around, even it it’s done for just a few minutes each day, is better than none at all. For inactive people, the trick is to get started. One great way is to take a walk for 10-15 minutes during your lunch break.
What are the benefits of regular physical activity?

These are the benefits often experienced by people who get regular physical activity.

Feeling better

Regular physical activity –

• gives you more energy
• helps in coping with stress
• improves your self-image
• increases resistance to fatigue
• helps counter anxiety and depression
• helps you to relax and feel less tense
• improves the ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well
• provides an easy way to share an activity with friends or family and an opportunity to meet new friends

Some great activities around the house can include mowing the lawn…yes MOWING the lawn! You will burn calories while completing a project, “tackling two things at once.” Try vacuuming….or in the winter try shoveling. The bottom line is we should keep busy, stay active.

A fantastic online resource for medical tips and advice, that I highly recommend is: http://www.familydoctormag.com

Of course I recommend to check with your doctor if you have questions or concerns.

Stay Healthy!