How to Live a More Active Lifestyle

One of the easiest ways to become healthy is to increase your activity level. Of course, you want to eat healthy as much as possible, but for some of us, changing what we eat is more difficult than learning to get up and move. You do not have to go to the extreme to make a difference, because every little bit helps. Of course, if you want to see big results it will require more work. You have probably heard most of what is stated here, but maybe you need to see it multiple times to understand that it works.

First of all, I do not have a medical degree of any kind. I am a mother of three who understands what it feels like to be too busy to work out. Do not do any exercises without checking with your medical provider first. If any of the following causes you pain, dizziness, or discomfort of any kind, STOP and contact you doctor.

There are three areas of focus for living a more active lifestyle: flexibility, cardio, and strength training.

Stretching allows you to be more flexible. Remember in elementary school where you had to bend down and touch your toes, well this is basically the same thing. Many of us may not be able to touch our toes anymore, but with daily stretching, you will be surprised at what you can accomplish. The best time to do this exercise is at the beginning of each day. It is refreshing and gets you going. To start, just bend over and let your arms hang down toward the ground in front of you. If you cannot touch it, don't worry, just hang there and breath in through your nose and out your mouth for about ten breaths, relaxing with each breath. Slowly raise up, extending your arms up to the ceiling and hold for one breath. Then reach your arms back, bending slightly backwards just to get a small stretch and breath for about five breaths. Then go back to a normal stance, raising your arms to the ceiling again for one breath. Now lower your arms to your sides and lunge to your right and hold for about 10 slow breaths, then do the same to the left. Now do small circles with your arms both forward and backward. Finally, open and cross your arms in front of you and go forward with your day. You can also include and other stretches that you find helpful.

The only equipment you need to get started with cardio training is a good pair of walking/jogging/running shoes (depending on your activity level). There are many options for cardio/aerobic activity. You can walk/jog/run in place during commercials while watching your favorite television program. Weather permitting, you could go for a walk outside. The best thing to do is NOT think of it as exercise. Go outside to enjoy nature. If you have a dog, take him/her out for a walk. The goal is to get in more exercise than the day before. Just think about what you did yesterday, did you use the elevator or the stairs? Did you park near the door or further away? Be sure to include the time spent vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, and other household chores. Everything counts! Once you can get in a combined total of 60 minutes of activity every day, that's perfect! If you need to lose weight and you have been consistently getting in at least 60 minutes a day, then you may need to increase to 90 minutes or more. Another option is to increase the level of intensity. Turn up the music and dance, grab a jump rope or hula hoop and get back to your youth! You can do it, just give it time.

Now, once you have accomplished at least 60 minutes of cardio per day, add in a few minutes of resistance training at least two to three times per week. These do not have to be time consuming. Do a squat or two each time you go to sit down. Do five to ten front arm raises, bicep curls, and tricep extensions each time you go to the bathroom. Do ten side arm raises after your morning stretches. Do walking lunges while going from room to room in your home. A great combination workout for the buttocks and abs is isometrics. Simply breath in through your nose and let your stomach expand, then exhale through your nose while tightening your abs and buttocks at the same time, hold for as long as you can and repeat. You can do these while watching television, driving in the car, waiting in line, or any other time you can fit it in. Because of the relaxing sensation involved, I find that doing this while laying in bed at night is best for me.

So, there it is: the easiest way to increase you physical activity without interfering too much with your life. If you have children, get them involved! Go for a walk in the park, play tag, get out and get moving. Your body will be extremely happy you did!