What if I told you that you in just 30 minutes from right now you could feel better, think more clearly and improve your health. Does such a magic bullet exist?
Yes. It's called exercise. If you go for a 30-minute walk, right now, I guarantee you will feel better. Simple as that.
Not only is it good for you physically but it also helps your brain. Ever notice how your best ideas seem to come to you when you're going for a walk? There's something to it. It also boosts your memory, improves your concentrations and slows cognitive decline.
RELATED: Learn to Love Exercise...Even If You Hate It
Why? Well, researchers suspect it's because movement increase blood flow to your brain, surges growth hormones, expands the brain's network of blood vessels and possibly stimulates the birth of new neurons.
All of that is sounds super-scary scientific but trust me on this: exercise makes you feel better.
The great thing is that 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week will suffice. What counts as "moderate exercise"? More than might think. Badminton, mowing the lawn, even playing on the playground with your kids count towards your weekly total.
This chart from Harvard's Nutrition Source details light, moderate and vigorous forms of exercise. Did you see fish sitting and playing instruments count? I'm dubious about "sitting using a computer", btw.
Experts measure exercise in metabolic equivalents or METs. For example, one MET is defined as the energy it takes to sit quietly. The average adult expends about one calorie per hour per every 2.2 pounds of body weight. Someone who weighs 160 pounds would burn roughly 70 calories per hour while sitting or sleeping. This is just a general guideline. Your individual calories per hour burn will vary based on your fitness level and overall health.
RELATED: Why 30 Minutes of Exercise a Day Will Change Your Life
What About You?
What's your favorite way to exercise? Do you struggle with fitting it into your day?
Here's a tip: multitask.
I know that we're supposed to be focused, present and in the moment but multitasking while exercise makes it so much more enjoyable. Listen to a book on your iPod while you walk. Stream your favorite TV show on your iPad while you're on the elliptical or treadmill. Get an exercise buddy, someone you commit to going to a class with twice a week.
Me? I work while exercising. I get more done and have more ideas flowing while I am on the elliptical than I ever do when I am stuck at a desk.
I would love to know what you struggle with when it comes to exercise. Let me know in the comment section.
Make Fat Your Bitch...And Get More Diet Tips
Would you like more easy strategies to help you make fat your bitch for good? I wrote a teeny tiny ebook to help you do just that called The 10 Easiest Diet Tips: Simple Strategies To Help You Lose Weight And Maintain Your Weight Loss For Good.
When you download the ebook, you can also receive The Real Skinny, my weekly diet & fitness newsletter that shares healthy living news, bits of inspiration and other exclusive goodies (like this). No spam ever. Promise.
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| Working for Knoxville's WBIR-TV, circa 1998, around 190 pounds |
Permanent and sustainable weight loss is all about adopting simple habits
& making minor lifestyle changes that can help you lose weight & keep it off.
For good.
& making minor lifestyle changes that can help you lose weight & keep it off.
For good.
Image Courtesy: Matthew Kane
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