So, you know how healthy exercise is and you really do want to feel fitter and more energetic. Great! You aren't sure just what sort of exercise is for you?
Here are four ideas:
- Walking – it's easy on the joints and burns fat effectively when done consistently. Walking also provides you with a versatile, convenient workout that requires only a good pair of walking shoes. Walk during your lunch hour, after dinner or before breakfast. Walking can be social and can be done virtually anywhere. It's also low cost and low maintenance. A good goal to start with is 30 minutes three times a week. Start slowly, increase your mileage gradually and set attainable goals.
- Running – while this is the most efficient exercise for burning fat and increasing cardiovascular endurance, it can frustrate people if they run too far too fast, are fair-weather runners or have the wrong shoes. Rather start slowly and have a realistic goal. A good strategy for beginners is to alternate a five-minute jog/walk routine. Make sure to rest between running days to give the joints a chance to recover and to build endurance in the muscles. Set reasonable but specific goals. Aim to complete a 5km run within a month, and the more often you achieve this, the more comfortable you'll be as your fitness improves.
- Swimming – this is probably the healthiest exercise you can treat your body to. Because water suspends the body, there is no physical stress on the joints, bones or muscles. It's not, however, a sport known for burning fat efficiently and isn't as effective at building bone density as other weight-bearing exercises such as running, cycling or weight lifting.
- Cycling – whether it's a sunny weekend in the country or a tough spinning workout in the gym, cycling is versatile, social and extremely healthy. If you're sightseeing in a new city, hire a bike – not only will you be able to see more than on a bus or in a taxi, but you'll cover greater distances and be getting a good workout at the same time.
So now all you have to do is choose one!