Fall Back Into Fitness...(Benefits of Exercise)

Fall is almost here and often during the summer months our workouts take a summer vacation. Time to turn that around and make fitness a priority! Many people can easily list several negatives to working out (such as no time, sweating, need to shower after, etc.), yet many cannot list more than 2 benefits.  There's SO much you gain--but it needs to be a lifestyle that will last forever and NOT a 'quick' fix.

It doesn't have to be extreme and time consuming--just get moving and do something physical.
According to the 1996 U.S... Surgeon General on Physical Activity & Health: "Regular physical activity that is performed on most days of the week reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death in the U.S..." (Source: U.S... Dept. of Healthy & Human Services, '96)

Here are a few key reasons to incorporate some form of physical activity into your DAILY life as it will REDUCE the risks/problems of some of the following:

• Premature death
• Dying from heart disease
• Developing diabetes
• Developing high blood pressure
• Developing colon cancer
• Feelings of depression & anxiety
• Becoming overweight
• Issues with bone, joint, muscle
• For aging adults: they will be able to move around better, therefore less risk of falling or injury

That same Surgeon General's report goes on to state 3 key points:

1. People who are usually inactive CAN improve their health & well being by becoming even MODERATELY active on a REGULAR basis.
2. Physical activity need NOT be 'strenuous' to achieve health benefits.
3. GREATER health benefits CAN be achieved by INCREASING the amount (duration, frequency, or intensity) of physical activity.

I encourage you to make the time and add some form of exercise to your daily lifestyle--forever.  And now that the Fall season almost here, consider getting outside and taking a walk around your neighborhood or in one of our beautiful town parks and enjoy the cooler temperatures along with Fall foliage.

If you need more motivation, I suggest you look into one of the many fine gyms in our area that offer a great variety of group fitness classes--these can be fun and often a group setting helps motivate individuals! Or possibly hire a personal trainer (even for just a few sessions) to help get you started and motivated.  Or grab a friend or 2 and inspire each other to move---power in numbers.  Whatever it takes, make the time NOW for a healthier you...I promise you won't regret making the time!