We all have only one life to live, and each adult should unquestionably be in complete control of it. So, if you prefer to avoid exercise entirely and live a life of leisure, that is entirely your choice. However, it would not be the best option for your health. Sedentary living is even regarded by the World Health Organization as one of "the more serious yet inadequately addressed public health problems of our time."
Identify an active recreational activity.
Medicine has discovered that activities that aren't specifically labelled "exercise" (such as gardening) can help you live a longer life. The main point here is to find a form of physical activity that you enjoy. If you enjoy jogging and weight lifting, that's fantastic, but don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to fitness. You'll look forward to moving your body every day if you do this.
When it comes to exercise and self-care, the overarching theme is that the best type of exercise for you is the one you will actually do. In other words, choosing activities that you enjoy will help you stay disciplined. If you love to walk, go for a walk! Bike if you like to ride a bicycle! Do it if you enjoy basketball, jumping rope, or quickly lifting weights in a Crossfit gym. The goal is to make the process enjoyable.
Find movement in your daily tasks.
As previously mentioned in this article, getting your daily dose of exercise can be as simple as going for a walk. In fact, Harvard University research published in JAMA Internal Medicine recommends aiming for 4,400 steps per day to significantly reduce mortality risk. It's also worth noting that studies show that the benefits of walking tend to plateau around 7,500 steps per day. So you shouldn't walk for 12 hours a day! Still, 4,000+ steps per day may seem daunting, especially when you're counting the seconds on your treadmill. Fortunately, you don't have to do all of that walking all at once.
Make working out a social event.
Humans have a natural desire for social interaction, and this is no different when it comes to fitness. Plenty of research suggests that exercising socially is superior to going to the gym alone in terms of longevity. Furthermore, if you exercise with a partner or a consistent group, you are more likely to stick to the routine—even on days when the couch calls. This study published in Health Psychology discovered that older adults were much more likely to commit to a fitness routine if they worked out with peers their own age.
Exercising in the sun is a good way to burn calories.
Some people are natural night owls and would most likely benefit from a late-night exercise routine. Even if you fall into that category and struggle to get out of bed before noon on most days, there's a big reason why you should at least consider getting some daylight exercise in: vitamin D!
When your skin is exposed to sunlight, your body naturally produces vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart attack and premature death. It is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a shorter life expectancy.
By exercising outside while the sun is shining, you will reap all of the benefits associated with indoor workouts while also ensuring your vitamin D levels stay healthy.
Don't be concerned about exercise.
Exercise is an excellent stress reliever, but it can also be a major life stressor if we allow fitness goals and comparisons to dominate our lives. According to this study published in Health Psychology, worrying about not exercising as much as others is associated with an increased risk of premature death. Our findings are consistent with a growing body of research indicating that our mindsets—in this case, beliefs about how much exercise we get in comparison to others—can have a significant impact on our health.
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