New Series: 10 Ways to Get More Exercise!

In today's busy, busy world, one of the most challenging and yet most important things we can do for our health is find the time to exercise. It's certainly not easy, even for the most dedicated of us! Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Yet most of us do not get the exercise we need, and many do not exercise at all. A 2010 study found that only 20.7% of adults fully met the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity, and 49.1% met the guidelines for neither. (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus11.pdf)

And yet there is strong evidence that regular physical activity in adults lowers the risk of early death, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and an adverse blood lipid profile; there is also strong evidence that it helps prevent weight gain and reduces depression. (http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/benefits-of-exercise)

This month we are starting a new series on how to get more exercise in your life. Most of these are short and simple tips, or easy steps you can take to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine.

Each week we will share a tip, and also an exercise video so you can work out right along with us! We'll try to relate the videos to the tips each week, but sometimes they'll just be a workout we thought you'd find fun, or a quickie workout you can fit in pretty much anytime you have a few minutes.

This week we're starting off easy. :-)

Tip #1: Start Slowly
 
As with any endeavor, it is imperative that you start slowly but steadily. If you begin your new exercise regimen too hastily and with too much zeal, chances are that you are likely to burn out and run out of gas very soon. Plan your exercise routine by slowly getting used to exercising as part of your daily or weekly routine. Start out with a few minutes each day just to get your mind and your body accustomed to what is taking place. All new change is usually met with resistance, no matter how good the intentions.

Be sure to check back Thursday for a quick, fun workout video that will get you moving and having fun!