It’s a Monday morning, and you are sitting in the waiting area to see your primary care physician. The time to hear the dreadful results of the physical performed last week has come. You know, the one where the doctor performs the usual, including bloodwork for cholesterol and other necessary tests that will be the basis for the twenty-minute lecture on taking better care of yourself. You think to yourself, “the doctor is heavier than I am and looks in worse shape and is lecturing me?” Nevertheless, deep inside, the realization that heart disease is in the family tree sets in, and you listen carefully to the results: “your cholesterol and blood pressure is a bit high. You need to exercise a more and improve your diet.” Heart disease is no laughing matter. About one in four deaths results from the condition. Here is how to avoid being part of that statistic, while having fun.
Exercising does not have to be an awful and dreaded activity. Instead, look toward interests that increase cardiovascular activity so that maintaining health is not something that you avoid. If the gym and running on a treadmill do not sound like fun, look toward other alternatives like a training course from Discovery Learning. Jogging and lifting weights is not the only way to stay in shape. Be creative and flexible and spend some time exploring different ways of staying active and increasing your heart rate. The idea is to make exercise part of your lifestyle and something that you look forward to instead of avoiding. The shift in attitude will produce a positive shift in your life. As you select an activity, consider nutritional supplements like Lipodrene than can boost the results of exercise.
Researchers have determined that walking is a simple way to reduce the risk of heart disease and type II diabetes. Walking, however, does not have to be boring. Purchasing a treadmill and walking while you watch your favorite television show or Netflix series is easy and relatively effortless. More so, as you develop endurance, increase the speed and elevation to increase heart rate and burn more calories. Not a fan of treadmills? Download some awesome music and walk in a park or refreshing area. Many cities have parks that provide access to green spaces. These can serve as great options for those that like outdoor activities.
Riding a bike is another great and fun way to exercise. The activity can burn an average of 600 calories an hour, depending on body weight and speed. Individuals can start slowly and work their way to longer and more intense bike rides. Furthermore, the activity does not have to be strenuous. Start at your own pace and do not worry about anyone else. Focus exclusively on yourself. Remember, the idea is enjoyment first and consequent exercise as you enjoy the activity. Lastly, consider a sport or active hobby that you loved when you were younger. Forget your age. The idea is not to win an amateur soccer tournament. Many cities have sports leagues for adults of any age, and this is a great way to enjoy an activity while increasing your heart rate. You can even surf Hawaii, and burn calories to improve your health.
Imagine that it is one year from now. Once again, it is time for the results of your yearly physical. This time, you have been exercising consistently for the last 12 months. As you sit and patiently await to be called into the doctor’s office, the realization that the results of the exam will not be negative begins to set in. As you think about the long family lineage of cholesterol problems and heart disease, you hear “congratulations, the results came back and are in line. You are in excellent physical condition, and the cholesterol and blood pressure numbers are where they should be.” All of this happened while you were having fun!