Whether we love it or hate it, we all know that exercise is important to our health and longevity. Given that, why not have some fun with it and maximize our exercise routine for faster results?
Physical activity helps both your body and mind stay strong, healthy and resilient. It helps you detoxify, oxygenate and think more clearly. Studies show that regular exercise:
- Reduces stress
- Combats disease
- Boosts brainpower
- Improves memory
- Controls weight
- Increases energy
- Releases endorphins
- Improves mood
- Promotes good sleep
The great news is that you don’t have to climb a mountain. There are simple things you can do to stay physically fit (which also helps you stay mentally fit), and you can start from wherever you are now on the fitness spectrum, at whatever your chronological age may be. The important thing is to get moving.
Maybe you already have an exercise routine that you enjoy. Great!
If you don’t already exercise regularly, you can start today and you’ll instantly add to your energy bank account. Choose something that’s fun for you. If going to the gym is intimidating or boring for you, head outside. If the weather is uncomfortable, find an indoor activity that you’ll enjoy.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to a regular exercise routine, there are five things to keep in mind. For best results, you’ll want to incorporate the following elements into your routine to make sure that your body is getting everything it needs. Your weekly routine should include:
- Cardio activity two to three times a week. This can include energetic walking (vs. strolling), jogging, running, bicycling, dancing, tennis or other active sports, or other exercise that gets your heart pumping.
- Stretching and movement for flexibility two or three times a week. This can include basic stretches, yoga, etc. It can be simple.
- Core strengthening exercise and/or weight-bearing activity. Gyrotonic (we offer sessions at Tilo) and Pilates are great choices. The important thing is to strengthen and maintain the strength of the deep muscles in your abdomen—your power center.
- Energy redeployment. Gyrotonic is again a great choice., as are certain types of yoga; the idea here is that you want to reorganize your energy toward your center of vitality to nourish your internal organs.
- Set your intention clearly. Align with what you are doing so that your activity and intention match. It may sound odd, but it is very powerful, effective and enjoyable to have clear intention in what you do.
The greatest benefit from all this physical movement will come with a joyful mindset. Exercise can be fun! Have a good time with it. Try something new. Shake it up.
In good health,
Dr. Miles Reid
Thank you so much Dr. Reid!!! Indeed joyful mindset and setting our intention clearly are the conditions sine qua non for the practice to be effective!!!