We understand that maintaining good health can be challenging, but we believe that with the right information and support, anyone can achieve their health goals. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your fitness, or manage a chronic condition, our blog is here to help.
Walking, lifting weights, doing chores – it’s all good. Regardless of what you do, regular exercise and physical activity is the path to health and well-being. Exercise burns fat, builds muscle, lowers cholesterol, eases stress and anxiety, lets us sleep restfully. In this guide, we match resources to your exercise needs — at every fitness level.
Exercise and Weight Loss
It’s a proven fact that weight loss requires burning more calories than one consumes through food and drink. Cutting back on calorie intake is crucial for shedding pounds, according to the CDC. While exercise can aid in weight loss, its primary benefit is in helping to maintain weight loss over time.
To begin exercising, start with short periods of activity and gradually increase the time and intensity. Even small increments of activity, such as 10 or 15 minutes, can contribute to overall health. The ultimate goal is to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
There are many forms of exercise that can increase heart and lung function, including walking, biking, jogging, swimming, and cross-country skiing. Household chores such as mowing the lawn and recreational activities like dancing and playing with children can also provide health benefits.
Individuals over 45 (men) or 55 (women), or those with medical conditions, should consult a doctor before starting any exercise routine to ensure they do not engage in any potentially harmful activities.
Boost Your Metabolism
Exercise can help speed up your metabolism, which is the process your body uses to convert food into energy. While factors like age, sex, and genetics can affect your metabolism, exercise can help counteract a sluggish metabolism. One way exercise helps is by building muscle, which burns more calories than fat cells, even when you’re not working out. As you age, you naturally lose muscle mass, which can slow down your metabolism, making exercise even more important.
To challenge your muscles and increase your metabolism, you can amp up your workout by doing any type of aerobic exercise, like running or Zumba, and making it more intense with intervals. You can also lift weights twice a week to strengthen your muscles and become a more efficient calorie-burning machine. This can benefit not just your metabolism, but also your heart, bones, and mood.
Exercise for a Heart
Your heart is a vital muscle that can benefit greatly from regular exercise. By leading an active lifestyle, you can strengthen your heart and improve your overall health. It’s never too late to start exercising, and you don’t need to be a professional athlete to reap the benefits.
Even a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day can make a significant difference in your health. People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are almost twice as likely to develop heart disease as people who are physically active.
Regular exercise can help you burn calories, lower your blood pressure, and reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol while boosting your HDL “good” cholesterol.
