April is Move More month! We would like to challenge you to think about how much movement you get daily and how you can increase it. Being conscious of just moving more in simple ways can increase your health, longevity and make you feel better. Take a standing break every 15 minutes from your desk, walk the stairs more often, and plan your weekly workouts! Keep reading to see the benefits of moving your body daily.
Reduce Health Risks – Physical activity can help to reduce health risks such as cold & flu viruses, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and even some cancers.
Strengthen Bones & Muscles – As you age, protecting your bones and joints is important as they provide support and help to keep you moving, physical activity is one of the best ways to keep your body strong! The stress exercise puts onto bones and joints can help to strengthen them as it sends signals to your body to send more cells to those areas to strengthen them! Walking, jogging, and body weight exercises such as squats and push-ups are a great place to start.
Improve Your Energy – Regular physical activity can improve your energy by increasing your muscular strength and endurance as well as improving your cardiovascular health. As your muscles get stronger and your heart gets more efficient at pumping oxygen rich blood through your body, you’ll notice even everyday tasks such as groceries can become easier.
Prevent falls – Studies have shown adults who participate in physical activity such as aerobics, strength training, and balance training are less likely to fall, and even when they do, the falls are often less severe.
Increase Your Lifespan – An estimated 110,000 deaths every year could be prevented in adults 40 years and older just by increasing daily activity by even 10 minutes! Getting 150 minutes of activity every week (30 minutes 5 days a week) and getting 8,000-10,000 steps daily can help to increase your lifespan!
Improve Brain Health – Physical activity can help to improve thinking, problem solving, mood, mental clarity and can even reduce depression and anxiety!
Improve Quality of Sleep – Exercise can help you to sleep deeper, which can lead to regulating your sleep cycle over time. Just remember not to exercise too close to bedtime or you may have too much energy to fall asleep!
Help Manage Weight – Physical activity can help you to lose weight and maintain your weight through burning excess calories, the more intense your activity is the more calories are burnt. Generally, a minimum of 150 minutes of activity each week is needed to lose weight while combined with an appropriate diet for your needs. Don’t stress if you can’t make it to the gym daily, small changes such as taking the stairs and parking farther away can help to get extra movement in!
To help you get on track we are hosting our annual 21-day BE STRONG Movement Challenge. Sign up is free for All Inclusive Members or you can purchase a one-month membership and join in the FUN! The challenge starts April 17th.
For more questions or help with a personalized fitness program contact our professionals today at personaltraining@ heavensacademy.com