Exercise
I've written about the importance of water, rest, sunshine, and fresh air on this blog. Exercise is another important one, particularly outdoor exercise.
I'd planned to write about this subject last month. However, our month of February was filled with cold, snow, and temperatures below freezing on many days. (one night, our outside temperature went down to -14 degrees F!) I didn't feel very inspired to write about the importance of exercise with outdoor temperatures such as those.
I believe God gives us seasons of rest. Where I live, winter is often a season of rest. Even in the winter though, I try to get outside to walk when the temperature allows me to do so. I tell myself that if the temperature is above 50 degrees, I have no excuse.
Recent, spring like temperatures have renewed my inspiration to write about this subject.
God designed the human body to move, and it's another very important element for good health. Granted, as our bodies get older, it can sometimes be more difficult to move. While you are still able to get around, making some kind of exercise part of your daily routine is a good idea!
I remember someone telling me something once about the importance of exercise, and it's something I've never forgotten.
“Picture a chair in your mind.” this person said.
“Now, picture different kinds of foods on that chair.” they said while naming many kinds of food.
“Which one do you think is the worst?” they asked me.
Hmm. Before giving an answer, this person told me.
“It’s the chair.”
Huh? I don't understand.
Their reply was that the chair was the worst item listed because sitting in a chair, or simply put, a lack of exercise can be worse than eating junk food. (and yes, junk food is not good either.) That is an illustration about the importance of exercise that I've never forgotten.
What comes to your mind when you think of exercise? Something you dread? Something you enjoy? A gym? A treadmill? An exercise bike? Swimming? Aerobics? Cardio?
While those latter things are a good way to move around and get some exercise, they are not necessary when it comes to daily exercise. If you enjoy doing some of those things, then great! Go for it!
However, you might be surprised to discover that walking is one of the best exercises you can do! Who would have thought?! It's true though. (if you don't believe me, Google it!) According to webmd.com, walking is at the top of the list when it comes to exercise. No need for a gym membership.
Up until 100 years ago, there was very little means of transportation in the world other than by train. (and that was just invented 200 years ago in the 1800's) Throughout history, people have walked where they needed to go, except by use of a wagon or animal. (on land)
Isn't it beautiful that God designed something as simple as walking to be one of the best exercises for us?! Walking outside in nature, God's beautiful creation, is usually so refreshing and enjoyable! When you are able to walk outdoors, you are not only getting exercise, you are also getting fresh air and sunshine. That's what I call a "win-win".
Listed below are some of the health benefits of exercise:
2. Exercise can protect you against many chronic diseases.
3. Exercise can help with weight management.
4. Exercise can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
5. Exercise can improve your quality of sleep.
6. Exercise can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
7. Exercise can improve joint pain and stiffness.
8. Exercise can increase life span.
And there are more health benefits to exercise!
How much should the average person walk each day?
Many sites recommend 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for an average of 150 minutes a week. That is very do-able, especially in my country during the spring, summer, and fall seasons when the weather and temperature is often nice, depending on the time of day.
If you are a busy person or a busy parent with young children, going on a walk in your neighborhood, or in a nearby, local park (especially if you live on a busy road where walking is difficult or impossible) for just 30 minutes a day can often bring a fresh change of scenery and a breath of fresh air. If you are a mom with young ones such as a toddler and/or a baby, you can put them in a stroller and take them along on your outdoor walk.
I'm a single woman, and when the weather is nice, I enjoy walking at a nearby park or in the neighborhood my family lives in.
One of the things I'm looking forward to the most about spring is the opportunity to walk outside again in God's beautiful creation! I have a new package of socks and new sneakers just waiting to be used this spring for walking!
Walking is so simple, yet so important, for good health!
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, and I have no medical training. The things I share on this blog are simple, practical things that I've learned help with good health.
(some of the health benefits of exercise were sourced from choosept.com)
Comments
Post a Comment