Getting fit and exercising regularly is one of the most popular New Year resolutions that people undertake every year. But sadly it remains one that is most difficult to follow. A healthy bodyis an important part of our well-beingthis comes from both regular exercise and a healthy diet. And the good news is that it is never too late to start on a path to being fit and healthy. This goes good for patients diagnosed with depression.
Start with 10 Minutes a Day
It is difficult to get out of bed in the morning, especially in winter, but as a first step, incorporating 10 minutes of walking or any light exercise significantly improves heart health. The World Health Organization recommends 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense physical activity per week for adults aged between 18 and 64 years.
This may sound intimidating to those embarking on their fitness journey for the first time. However, there is good news; many personal trainers recommend at least 10 minutes of walking a day as a first step. In fact, a study conducted by researchers at Pennington Biomedical Centre, Louisiana for a group of about 450 women, found that 10 minutes of walking at a gentle pace improved heart strength and fitness quite significantly.
Just walking out of the door and getting some fresh air into your system does wonders for your mind as well. A win – win situation, starting today!
Take up a Sport or join a Class
Sports or fitness is one activity where competition is definitely encouraged, the more the better. And keeping up with the neighbors could actually do you good in the long run. One reason that most of us fail to stick to our fitness resolutions is perhaps that boredom sets in after a while. This can be eliminated by taking up an activity with a regular partner. It could be your friend, parent, spouse or children. This way you get to spend quality time with them and get fit too.
Group sports such as football or cricket are a great way to meet your friends and get fit. If you are not much of a group person, why not try a sport you haven’t done before? Swimming, Tennis, Badminton are just a few of the options available.
If vigorous activity or sport is not your thing, why not try Yoga? It is relaxing, sedate and does wonders for both body and mind. It not only improves fitness levels without placing any strain on the body, but also strengthens the mind immensely.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is the key to maintaining a healthy body, and is one that is inclusive of all food types including carbohydrates and fat, something that people on a diet tend to leave out very often. In fact skipping complete food groups from our meals is not only unhealthy, it could prove dangerous in the long run.
Starting with small and regular steps every day and incorporating a good diet will send you on your way to a very fit and healthy body.