The Best Exercises You’re Not Doing
It is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions: get more exercise. Scientific studies have continually shown that getting regular exercise is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Not only does it reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but it also releases endorphins – brain neurotransmitters that can elevate mood and boost the immune system. For many, this New Year’s resolution means joining a gym. But dedication to a new, healthier lifestyle requires much more than a gym membership. It’s also important that patients know the best fitness routines to help them reach their goals.
Of course, many of you know of the benefits of cardiovascular exercises such as running or aerobics, but the following are some incredibly beneficial exercises you may have overlooked:
Swimming: During the cold snap of January, a swimming pool may be the last thing on your mind, but swimming is a wonderful workout on so many levels. The water not only alleviates any strain on joints, it also enables those with arthritis to move with greater freedom. Many local gyms have indoor pools and offer water aerobics classes. Can’t swim? Maybe 2014 should be the year you learn.
Strength training: Did you realize that lifting weights can benefit your bones? Strength-bearing exercises help your bones become stronger because like muscles, your bones are living tissue. Weight training is not just for bodybuilders or those who want to “bulk up.” In fact, strength training should be a part of everyone’s exercise routine. Before starting any type of weight training, familiarize yourself with fitness equipment and the correct way to lift weights in order to avoid straining or spraining muscles.
Squats: Squat exercises work the hips, thighs and quad muscles, which benefit the body’s core muscles.
Walking: It may be one of the simplest exercises, and for that reason, it is often easy to overlook the wonderful benefits of walking. To get the most out of your routine, consider interval training. During interval training, you increase the pace and intensity of your exercise for a few minutes and then return to your previous pace. Of course, the length of these intervals depends upon the length of your workout and your fitness level.
Be sure to consult your physician or a personal trainer to received customized information about how to get the most out of your fitness routine. If you don’t know how to develop a fitness routine, or if a pre-existing health condition makes you wonder which exercises would be safest for you, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our physicians, who will be glad to work with you to create a customized plan to guide you to a healthier 2014.
