Andrey Popov

Five ways to make exercise part of your routine

Evelyn James is an emerging freelance writer with a strong interest in helping families cope through difficult situations, elderly care and mental health.  In this article, Evelyn looks at five simple ways that you can make exercise part of your daily routine. 


Regular exercise can bring about a wealth of health benefits. On a physical level, being active will help you fight unwanted weight gain and reduce your risk of developing medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. On top of the physical benefits, regular exercise can also have a positive effect on your emotional wellbeing. This is because exercise provides a fantastic outlet for stress and also releases endorphins which improve your mood. For that reason, people who exercise regularly tend to have better mental health and enjoy a better quality of life. Everyone should aim to get the recommended amount of exercise each week. This is 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise, according to the NHS website. Some people find it difficult to remain active, particularly if they have health conditions affecting their mobility. Fortunately, you can easily incorporate exercise into your daily life and become more active at any age. Here are five simple ways to make exercise part of your routine.

1. Go for daily walks

Going for a daily walk is a simple and affordable way to lead a healthier lifestyle. It is also a great way to get out of the house and enjoy your natural surroundings. Studies show that spending time outdoors can improve your physical and mental health by alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety. Care experts at Helping Hands add:

“Not only does stretching your legs help you to burn calories and get the blood pumping around your body, but it also allows you to take in the wonderful outdoors and really get in touch with the beauty around us.”

Try to go on a short walk every day to increase your level of exercise and enjoy some fresh air.

2. Explore different types of exercise

There is a huge variety of fun exercises that you can try. You should explore different types of exercise and find an activity that you enjoy. That way, you will be far more motivated to stick with your exercise routine and remain active long-term. Make sure that you choose an exercise that is matched to your fitness levels and abilities. For instance, water aerobics and swimming can be particularly beneficial for people with limited mobility. Advice on helpguide.org states: “Exercising in water supports the body and reduces the risk of muscle or joint discomfort.” This can make water-based activities a fantastic option for people with health conditions like Parkinson’s disease or arthritis.

3. Work with a qualified trainer

Many people avoid exercising or going to the gym because they don’t know where to start when it comes to creating an exercise routine, but there are now accessible gyms throughout the country that can help you start your fitness journey. These gyms are designed to help those with limited mobility feel confident about exercising in a safe, public environment. A qualified gym trainer will create an exercise plan that is tailored to your individual abilities and fitness goals. They will also provide you with encouragement and support you with various exercise tasks. A trainer can be particularly beneficial for people with health conditions and limited mobility. This is because they are equipped with specialist skills and tools to help you exercise safely while minimising the risk of accidents or injuries. 


If you’d like tips on how you can exercise at home then read this article by disability consultant Helen Dolphin which outlines ways in which you can keep active indoors.


4. Start gardening

Gardening is a relaxing hobby that can provide a great source of exercise. Gardening activities give all of your major muscles a workout including your arms, legs, and back. Regular gardening should boost your overall fitness levels and lower your risk of developing medical conditions such as high cholesterol or heart disease. Spending time in the garden will also encourage you to get outdoors and immerse yourself in nature. Increasing the amount of time you spend outside can bring about numerous health benefits to both your physical health and emotional wellbeing. 

5. Exercise in a group

Exercising in a group is another simple way to boost your motivation to be active. Exercising with other people is far more enjoyable and you will have the added benefit of regular social interaction. There is likely to be an excellent variety of fitness groups available in your local area which may include walking clubs, group dance classes, and women-only exercise groups. Getting yourself an exercise buddy can make your workouts more fun and boost your confidence when trying a new exercise routine.

Maintaining an active lifestyle will help you look and feel your best at any age. Certain health conditions can make it more difficult to exercise, but there are plenty of ways to boost your level of activity safely and comfortably. Try the above suggestions to help make exercise part of your daily routine.

Useful Sources

NHS

How to Exercise with Limited Mobility, HelpGuide.org

Inclusive gyms

Mobility exercises for the elderly 

Related Articles 

Six ways to prevent loneliness by connecting with others

Helen Dolphin’s guide to indoor gardening

What is mindfulness? And how can it help you?

From the Motability Scheme


Categories


Related articles


Popular articles

Top