Feel like a kid again by finding fun ways to
exercise. (photo by abcdz2000 / sxc.hu)
“Are you sure that is exercise equipment? Where are the handles for hanging clothes?” - comment left in the review section of a mini pedal exerciser.
Americans everywhere well understand the reference being made in the above comment. The exercise equipment designed to help a person become healthy and fit all too often ends up being used as a way to extend much needed closet space. Why is this?
One of the most common reasons people stop exercising is because they simply do not enjoy the activity they have chosen to do. While the logical side of the brain understands the need for exercise, the emotional side wants to scream at the thought of another 30 minutes walking on the treadmill. Unless there is great will power involved, the emotional side of the brain is going to win out.
The obvious answer to the problem is to find ways to make exercise fun. While certain types of exercise may offer more health benefits than others do, the truth is any form of physical activity that gets the heart rate up is enough to help a person become healthier and lose weight.
The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise each week to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems. For weight loss, the recommended minimum is 250 minutes per week. The latest research on physical activity shows the health benefits are similar if the 150-250 minutes are broken into the standard 30-50 minute workouts or 10-minute mini-sessions of fun.
The attached slideshow shows several ways to increase physical activity with fun ways to exercise.
Video: VW encourages people to increase their physical activity by creating fun
| Related Articles: |
|---|
Comments
I think I'll go ice skating over Christmas vacation..it's been a long time!
Kaufman County Crime Examiner
Dallas GEneration X Examiner
Great article.
I've been using mytextfitness.com for my workout program. They design custom workouts that get text messaged to my phone. Getting the message at the time of my workout make me feel guilty if I try and skip one.
Great ideas! We're stuck inside in the winter and it can be hard to find fun ways to get exercise with the kids. I'll try some of these today.
Mankato Homeschooling Examiner
Mankato Attachment Parenting Examiner
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!