Despite the fact that most people know how much regular exercise can better their physical and mental health, the most significant challenge they face is developing an exercise routine and sticking to it.=
The truth is, going to the gym if you’re not an athlete or serious exerciser can be both overwhelming and intimidating.
What a lot of people don’t know is that some of the most effective physical activities for your body do not need you to go to the gym. These workouts may seem basic, but they are great for your health and can help you strengthen your bones and muscles, better your balance, and keep your weight in check regardless of your age or fitness level.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the best physical activities that can better your overall health.
1. Swimming
Swimming can be the ideal workout since it involves the use of a lot of body muscles. It’s great for people suffering from arthritis since the buoyancy of the water helps make the body feel lighter thus alleviating some of the strain off of the joints so you can move your muscles more freely.
All you need to swim is a swimsuit and a prescription dive mask so you can see everything around you, including other swimmers. Click here to see more available options on prescription dive masks and swim goggles.
2. Walking
Taking a 20-minute walk every day will help you achieve a little over 2 hours of exercise, albeit of moderate intensity. Walking is simple as it does not require any special training or skills. All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and you can walk anywhere.
A simple walk on the beach, park, or along nature trails can be very therapeutic and can help you clear your head. You can make it a social event and walk with your family or neighbors.
Start by taking 10 or 15 minutes a walk then you can proceed to faster and much farther walks.
3. Balance Exercises
Doing balance exercises can help you avoid falls; a frequent issue facing older adults that usually has serious consequences. Tai Chi, also known as meditation in motion, is a great exercise that can help improve your balance. It involves a series of gentle, slow, and precise body movements done while taking deep breaths.
There are Tai Chi classes for people of all ages and fitness levels available at community centers and health clubs.
Start Getting Fit Today
Many of the things we do for fun can count as exercises such as raking the yard or playing with our kids or grandkids because they involve doing some kind of aerobic physical activity.
But some people bear the misconception that one type of exercise should be good enough to keep them fit. But the human body is made with a lot of muscles in different areas of the body. The key is to combine different types of physical activities that will involve strength training, cardio, balance exercises, and strength training.
However, be sure to consult with your doctor or physician before starting out on an exercise program.