Why Exercise? The Importance of Moving Your Body and Tips to Make it Happen.

Raise your hand if you exercised today.

That’s right, real exercise, not just walking around in an office.

Only 22.9% of Americans get an acceptable amount of exercise every day. How much is acceptable, you ask? Well, that answer isn’t simple.

The acceptable amount of exercise for you depends on body type, metabolism, and caloric intake, among other factors. That being said, whether you’re an Olympic athlete or a post office manager, these tips will help you achieve your athletic goals.

Our modern bodies have evolved since the hunter/gatherer age. Since the hunter/gatherers had to work to obtain their food, they already got plenty of exercise.

Today, food takes minimal energy to get, so we need to supplement that loss with other forms of exercise.

Running, walking for long periods of time, swimming, downhill skiing, mountain biking, climbing, tennis, golf, hockey, soccer, football, softball, nordic skiing, snowboarding, basketball, volleyball, and many other sports can improve your overall health.

Certain body types cannot achieve a recommended Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18-24 because of their bone structure, but that doesn’t mean that these people can’t lose weight and feel good.

Just getting out into the outdoors and getting moving can improve your health, happiness, and mental state, as well as your energy level.

According to the website, The Pursuit of Happiness, 2014 edition, “Regular exercise is associated with improved mental well-being and a lower incidence of depression.”

The Mayo Clinic staff say,“Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores.”

Get outside every day to have more energy, feel better about yourself, and clear your head.

Exercise not only boosts your energy, it also combats diseases and illnesses.

Exercise helps lower your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety, and some forms of cancer.

All of these reasons make exercise of prime importance in the average person’s life.

There are a few key ways to get started with your new fitness plan.

1. Scheduling is the first, and easiest, way.

Making a solid schedule can be difficult, but once you do commit to exercise on a calendar or planner, you will find yourself more motivated to follow up. Tailor the plan to the area you live in and the amount of time you’re willing to spend. Anything can help, although the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion says that, “Adults gain most of these health benefits when they do the equivalent of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (2 hours and 30 minutes) each week.”

2. Bring your friends along.

They can give you some competition or something to work towards as you improve in your sport.

3. A little friendly competition helps speed your progress.

Compete in tournaments if you like that sort of thing, or you need more motivation to practice.

Applying these tools can help you dedicate time to exercise, and commit to a healthy lifestyle.

There are so many ways to exercise.

It can be fun, and will help you feel better: mentally, emotionally, and psychically.

After taking steps towards your athletic goals, and committing to a healthier lifestyle, what changes did you notice?