The American Heart Association has designated April to be Move More Month as an initiative to encourage people to get up and leave their sedentary lifestyles behind! You may think that getting up and active means engaging in an intense workout, but that is completely false! Many activities that you may already participate in are excellent ways to be active!
Exercise
If you are looking for a way to get started with exercise, or if you are looking for a gentle way to get a workout, low-impact exercises are a great option. Low-impact exercises are a great way to get your heart rate up and stay active without putting too much stress on your joints. Some good low-impact exercises include:
Walking
Walking is a great way to get some exercise without putting any strain on your joints. You can walk at a brisk pace to get your heart rate up, or you can take it slow and enjoy a leisurely stroll. Walk with a friend to give your emotional and mental health a boost, too!
Cycling
Cycling is another great low-impact exercise that’s easy on your joints. You can cycle indoors on a stationary bike or outdoors on a bike path.
Swimming
Swimming is a great low-impact exercise that’s easy on your joints. It’s also a great way to cool off on a hot day.
Elliptical
The elliptical is a great low-impact exercise machine that’s easy on your joints. It’s a good way to get a full-body workout without putting any strain on your knees or other joints.
Rowing
Rowing is a great low-impact exercise machine that’s easy on your joints. It’s a good way to get a full-body workout without putting any strain on your knees or other joints.
No matter what type of low-impact exercise you choose, make sure to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts as you get stronger. It’s also important to listen to your body and stop if you feel any pain.
Other Activities
There are many everyday activities that can provide exercise and help keep you physically active. Here are some examples:
Household chores
Cleaning the house, doing laundry, and yard work all involve physical activity and can help you burn calories and build strength.
Walking or biking to work
If possible, consider walking or biking to work instead of driving. This is an excellent way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.
Taking the stairs
Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs. This can help improve cardiovascular health and strengthen leg muscles.
Playing with kids or pets
Playing with children or pets can provide a fun way to get exercise. Activities like playing catch or going for a walk can help improve cardiovascular health and build strength while bringing joy to all involved.
Gardening
Gardening involves a variety of physical activities, including digging, planting, and weeding. It can help improve flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Remember that any physical activity is better than none. Even small amounts of activity can provide health benefits, so try to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine whenever possible.
As you can see, there really is no limit to the ways you stay active as long as you are moving! If you are still looking for some quick and easy ways to improve your physical activity, this handy fact sheet breaks it all down for quick reference!
At Visionary Wellness & Imaging, we are ready to partner with you to help you achieve your healthy lifestyle goals! Our health coaches can help you come up with a custom plan that meets your needs and fits your schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
