Most of us don’t do regular exercise because we think we don’t have time. That unless we can schedule regular blocks of time to go to the gym or a fitness class, it is pointless to even try.
Researchers at the Oregon State University found doing small amounts of exercise (even 1 or 2 minutes) adding up to 30 minutes a day can be just as beneficial as structured exercise.
They describe this approach as having an active lifestyle, which is a lot more sustainable than trying to fit in 60 minutes of exercise 3 times a week.
The study involved more that 6,000 American adults and concluded you don’t need to go to the gym to improve health outcomes like reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, blood pressure and cholesterol. Unfortunately, the short bursts of activity didn’t convert to a thinner waistline.
Advice:
- make physical activity a way of life rather than something you have “to do”
- find opportunities to walk instead of drive, stand rather than sit
- do some exercises during the TV commercials
- do what you know you can stick with over the long term
- do something rather than use lack of time and money as an excuse
Can see the original Medical News Today article here:
Small Changes Like Taking Stairs, Raking Leaves May Equal A Trip To The Gym