Simple Exercises to Keep Healthy

We all know that together proper nutrition and regular exercise keep us healthy in body and mind, and yet many of us still neglect these crucial aspects of our life. Exercise is extremely beneficial - it increases our metabolic rate and energy levels, promotes longevity and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Did you know that in the United States lack of physical activity is a contributory factor in about 250,000 deaths per year?

So how can we painlessly introduce more exercise into our everyday lives? The answer is simple; you just have to move! It can be done in the same way that this article has tried to encourage you to eat more healthily rather than to lose weight. Research has shown that, contrary to the beliefs of fitness gurus, short bursts of physical activity throughout the day, maintained on a regular basis, can give us the health and fitness benefits our body needs. In fact, many everyday activities, such as walking with the dog, cleaning the house, gardening and shopping, can help to improve our overall fitness level, and so can any other activity that involves movement.

Physical activity, therefore, does not necessarily need to involve more energetic forms of exercise such as running or playing a sport. Many individuals experience therapeutic effects from yoga, which combines yoga postures with movement and relation. Special breathing techniques are also employed to infuse the muscles with oxygen and clear out unwanted lactic acid. This in turn, serves to decrease the heart rate and reduce blood pressure. Finally, meditation is practised to focus attention on the internal sensations of movement and breath. Yoga enthusiasts claim that yoga helps to reduce fatigue and regulate normal functions of the entire body, in addition to bringing harmony and balance to the mind, body an emotions.

They also maintain that yoga can be extremely beneficial to the elderly, as stooped posture, shallow breathing, digestive disorders and haemorrhoids, which are all commonly linked with old age, can be avoided if yoga is practised earlier on in life. Even if you are late starter such uncomfortable symptoms may well be relieved through the regular practice of yoga. Try this simple yoga movement, appropriately named the 'cat stretch", in the evenings to promote sound sleep, relieve tension in tired lower back muscles and realign the spine. On all fours, push the small of your back towards the floor, lean forward and stretch you legs out behind you to touch the floor. Then sit back on your legs and stretch out your arms.

Massage therapy is another excellent technique to loosen contracted and shortened muscles. Weak muscles can also be stimulated through massage to improve posture and promote movement. Experts maintain massage is important for the health of the entire body as it improves circulation. After massage, blood oxygen levels can increase by as much as 10 to 15 per cent. Internal organs will receive a grater supply of blood; and skin condition is improved by stimulating the function of the oil and sweat glands, leaving skin softer and more supple. Massage is also a great way of relieving stress.