Amazing health benefits of being active each day!

We often hear the importance of maintaining fitness and engaging in daily exercise, but what exactly makes it beneficial? In essence, being fit enhances both the quantity and quality of our lives, and I believe that is something we all desire!

Exercise and staying fit brings numerous advantages, such as reducing the risk of and aiding in the management of various health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. It also contributes to the promotion of strong bones, uplifts mood, boosts self-esteem and self-image, diminishes feelings of depression and anxiety, lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, regulates blood sugar, strengthens the heart and lungs, alleviates stress, improves sleep quality, and reduces the likelihood of sleep apnea. Additionally, exercise enhances productivity, increases stamina and energy levels, aids in weight maintenance or loss, reduces the risk of premature death, and preserves functional abilities and independence, particularly in older adults.

Being physically active doesn't always entail going to the gym or participating in group fitness classes. It can be as simple as going for a walk with a friend or walking the kids to school, for instance. Even incorporating short bursts of activity throughout the day can make a difference in keeping our bodies active.

Try changing how you look at exercise. Here are some everyday opportunities for activity:

• Use steps instead of elevators/escalators

• Park your car in a distant section of the car park to encourage walking

• Take a walk during your lunch break

• March, step or do squats while brushing your teeth

• Pace around the house or do arm curls with a can of food while talking on the phone

• Jump rope, stretching, jog on spot or lift weights while watching TV

• Do push ups using kitchen bench while waiting for the kettle to boil

• Hold a plank during TV ad breaks

• Do lunges while on a phone call

• Suggest walking meetings

• Be prepared - have your runners with you in your car or at desk so you can get out for a walk when there is an opportunity.

 Depending on what you want to achieve with your fitness here are some tips:

• Try and organise your life to include more movement and less sitting

• Exercise in an easy aerobic way every day and whenever you can

• Exercise hard, anaerobic, a couple of times each week – go hard but not for too long

• Engage in strength training – lift heavy things and use your body as resistance a couple of times each week

• Pay attention to when your body needs to rest so it can rebuild and get fitter

• Find ways to exercise that you enjoy and engage a friend to keep you motivated