Regular Exercise Adds Years to Your Life

Staying active is one of the best ways to maintain your health and lower your risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Being active doesn’t mean you have to head to the gym every day or do a high intensity workout every time you decide to get moving. Choosing activities that you enjoy and exercising at a pace that feels comfortable to you is key to staying consistent. We’ve compiled a couple tips you can use to maintain an active lifestyle.

1. Stay Active throughout the Day

You can start by adding simple activities into your routine, such as walking laps around the office, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or taking 5-10 minutes to stretch at your desk. If you are at home, you can go for a walk around the neighborhood, run a couple errands, or even just walk a few laps around the house. Set a timer to remind yourself to get up and move for a few minutes every hour.

2. Add Variety to Your Exercise Routine

In addition to staying active throughout the day, try to add some structured exercises into your weekly routine. You can experience a variety of health benefits when you include the exercises listed below in your rotation:

Walking, swimming, cycling and running: Cardio exercises increase your heart rate, help you maintain a healthy weight and decrease your risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Yoga or stretching: Helps you stay flexible, decreases your risk of injuries, boosts blood flow to your muscles, and eases tension. It is also a good way to relax.
Weightlifting, resistance bands and bodyweight exercise: Keeps your bones strong (proven to prevent bone-thinning), prevents muscle loss, improves blood sugar control, balance, sleep, and mental health.
Tai Chi or exercises performed standing on one foot: Improves balance, which can prevent serious injuries from falls. This type of exercise can also help with joint pain and muscle relaxation.

You are far more likely to stick to a regular exercise routine if you change up your activities once in a while and work out with a friend who will hold you accountable. Attend a new class at your gym, go for a swim at the public pool or invite a friend to go walk a local trail. Adding more movement to your day not only lowers your risk for diseases, but can also reduce stress, improve your mood and help you sleep better at night. Above all, staying active will help you live a longer, healthier and more independent life.