We’ve all heard that we need to exercise every day. For most of us though, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Society paints an unfair picture of what “exercise” should consist of. Don’t let others expectations freeze your decision making. Learn to personalize a minimum for yourself, because it all counts.
A well balanced fitness routine can consist of several different factors, but none more important than personalization. All of us have different body’s, stresses, environments, and preferences. A versatile approach that evolves as we age sets us up for long term success. If we listen, our body will often tell us the minimum amount of exercise that we need to stay healthy and vibrant.
Stress, anxiety, muscle tightness, and joint pain can all be symptoms of not getting enough exercise. Strive for a minimum amount each day that will be enough for you. Several recent studies recommend about a half hour per day of moderate exercise to maintain baseline health. Through any combination of options, shoot to meet or exceed that goal. Here’s a few of your options:
- Walk/Jog/Hike/Run
- Stretch
- Sports or Activities
- Strength Training
- Exercise classes
- Bodyweight exercises
- Yard work
- Cleaning
- Playing with your kids or grandkids
Sometimes our routines are dominated by our favorite choices. Try to diversify your routine and balance out how you move. You can mix and match too, choosing 15 minutes of two different activities, or 10 minutes of three different options. Don’t judge yourself! Get ten minutes on a day you’re super busy and get back on track the following day. Be prepared, be versatile, and make sure you move!
