Most people tend to start an exercise routine because they want to lose weight. While exercising is an important part of weight loss, it offers a variety of other benefits as well. One of the overarching benefits is the feeling of a better quality of life. Research has shown that as people work out more their quality of life improves. Quality of life includes things like physical health, vitality, mental health, social energy and productivity. These things improve in proportion to how much a person exercises.
A good goal to have is at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on most of the days of the week, try at least 5 days a week. This can include working out on exercise machines like a stationary bike, brisk walking, jogging, dancing or anything else that gets your heart pumping and increases your pulse. This amount of steady and regular exercise is enough to feel the benefits, although more activity will provide even greater benefits.
Walking tends to be one exercise that people stick with on a regular basis. So if you have a hard time committing to the gym try taking regular brisk walks. If you want to enhance your walks you can even try adding basic weight lifting equipment like wrist or ankle weights to get a better workout.
Other things you can do to increase the overall activity in your daily routine include taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking farther away at the grocery store, your office or any other places you frequent. The more exercise you can add to your daily activities the better. The seemingly little things can add up when done regularly. And once you start to see and feel the benefits you will likely be motivated to add more activity to your daily routine. You’ll be glad you did!