We all know that an active lifestyle and proper nutrition can help you lead a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life. A balanced diet of nutritious foods together with regular physical activity can decrease your risk of developing certain chronic illnesses and can prevent many diseases.
Here is a list of reasons as to why you should include some form of physical activity in everyday life. Whether that be for example. walking, sport, swimming, gym or running.
- Hypertension Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure.
- Heart health Exercise can strengthen the heart as well as other muscles of the body. A diet low in saturated fat will lessen the risk of heart conditions and disease.
- Diabetes Diets high in fat and cholesterol will increase the risk of diabetes. Try and consume at least 5 serves a day of fruit and vegetables. Participate in regular physical activity. Aerobic activity heightens sensitivity to insulin levels and helps to maintain a healthy body weight.
- Stronger bones and muscles and joints Exercise will help build bone strength as you gain active muscle tissue. Muscles around joints become stronger and makes everyday activity easier and less likely to injure yourself.
- Lowers risk of Osteoporosis Exercises such as yoga and aerobics can help balance and prevent falls, especially as we age. Bones will be stronger with activity and weight bearing exercises.
- Recovery It has been found those who have an active lifestyle, along with good nutrition, recover quicker from illness and injury.
- Mindset Improves mood, and helps us to stay focused and positive. Endorphin’s give us the “feel good” thoughts and behaviour, therefore helps to fight depression.
- Sleep Active bodies, active muscles and active minds all need recovery and rest time. This is done during sleep where our muscles can repair themselves. Tired muscles mean a tired body, so generally you should get a better night’s sleep.
If your thinking of starting to build an active lifestyle, speak to your doctor first to check what is suitable for you to begin with. Walking is always a good start. It doesn’t need to be strenuous. If your a regular exerciser starting something new, I always suggest to my clients to get a check up first just to ensure its safe to do so.
Make it part of your routine, like brushing your teeth or making dinner. Before you know it, it will have become second nature.
Be active, be healthy, be happy.