Now more than ever, it’s essential to make time for healthy activities. Many people are stuck at their desks all day and get well under the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
If you’ve been struggling to find the right activity to keep your body in good shape, that’s about to change. Here are some of the best healthy activities you can start today to get moving.
Lifting Weights
It’s well past the time to dispel the myth that lifting weights will turn you into the Incredible Hulk. Both men and women can reap immense benefits from resistance training. For example, increased metabolism and better bone density, to name a few.
Lifting weights can be rewarding and exciting. There’s a sense of accomplishment in watching your body become more capable and able to lift heavier things. Pair this activity with meal prepping and portioning service (see the review from Pretty Sweet about Nutrisystem), and your body will be in shape for years to come.
Walking and Hiking
Walking and hiking is a tremendously accessible activity; all you need is two feet and a heartbeat. Walking, in particular, is one of those exercises for which it’s hard to find an excuse to skip. Start by walking for ten minutes before turning around and coming back. Increase the distance as you get into a routine.
Hiking takes walking to the next level by adding uneven terrain and elevation. It also offers the benefit of surrounding yourself with nature, which can reduce stress and have a positive impact on both physical and mental health.
Dancing
Dancing has something for everyone and is another accessible activity for people from all walks of life. There are also plenty of dance activities to choose from: you can join a class with some friends or turn on your music and dance in your living room.
Dancing is an excellent form of exercise for people of all ages. Whether you wish to pursue ballet training throughout the course of your life or have a Disney dance in the kitchen with your kids, your body will love the results.
Yoga
Maintaining mobility and flexibility is of the utmost importance as we age. This is enhanced by the sedentary lifestyle most people live. Low back pain affects 60-70% of the global population in industrialized countries. In many cases, the fix is focused stretching and mobility work.
Yoga incorporates stretching with isometric holds, which forces your muscles to tense up and work. It can be scaled for all body types and activity levels. This surprisingly challenging workout can make an incredible impact on your body over time.
House and Yard Work
Some times the best activities for staying in shape aren’t traditional forms of exercise. The act of doing work around your house and yard on a regular basis will boost your energy expenditure and help keep you in shape.
A few hours spent gardening can burn more calories than you would at the gym. Scrubbing the tub and vacuuming is known to make people break a sweat. Additionally, the results of your efforts reduce clutter and stress, making you strong in both body and mind.
Playing Outside
They say that we don’t stop playing because we get old; we get old because we stop playing. Get out of the house and spend time outdoors playing your favorite childhood games. Maybe it’s something as simple as tossing a ball around or playing tag with your children.
Many fitness lovers will run a follow-the-leader style boot camp at local playgrounds. Find an activity you enjoy and let your inner child do the work.
In a technology-dominant world, it’s essential to prioritize your health. Make time to move throughout the day and find a physical activity to which you can commit.
*collaborative post
