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Exercise and Health
It is not a secret that lack of exercise is increasingly becoming a major health issue. Obesity is on the
rise, and being overweight can contribute to an increased risk in heart attack, diabetes, high blood
pressure and other life threatening illnesses.
Most people do not get enough activity during the day to make up for the time they spend at their desks,
driving their cars or sitting in front of their televisions. We have learned that exercising is not simply
something we must do to look good and have a great body. Exercise is a requirement for health, and
overall wellness, not to mention it can help you feel great!
The good news is that we are seeing more and more research that indicates we don’t have to work out
intensely to see the benefits. Sure, it is great if you can workout for 30-40 minutes at a time, five days a
week. But it is not essential. Shorter bouts of exercise can have a great effect (especially if you are just
starting out), and a little bit of exercise at a time is much better than none at all.
And what is really exciting is that research indicates that whether you are young or old, people who
workout at light to moderate intensities may have an easier time sticking to their exercise programs than
those people who work out harder and more often.
So, you do not need to be an athlete or a fitness ”die-hard” to benefit from exercise … you just need to
get started, work out at levels that are comfortable and enjoyable to you and stick with it!
Steps to Getting Started
Once you have made the commitment to start an exercise program, here are some suggestions that may
help you stay motivated.
The first step is the most difficult.
Any new habit is difficult to establish at first, but it can be done. Be
patient, and plan to start slow and easy. Less is more when you are first starting out … don’t overdo it!
Get a physical exam.
If you have been inactive for several years or new to an exercise program, be sure
to ask your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Especially if you are over 30, have health
problems or have a history of heart disease in your family.
Find an exercise buddy.
Research has shown that starting an exercise program with someone can
increase your chances of sticking to it. If you have a buddy that is also starting a program, you can
encourage, motivate and challenge each other.
EXERCISE & FITNESS GUIDELINES
