Get Wise to Exercise

Whether you prefer a brisk walk, yoga session or bike ride, there are so many benefits to exercise. It can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers; can help improve your mental health; keeps bones and muscles strong as we age; improves sleep; and may help with weight control.

If you exercise just to lose weight, you may be aiming for an outcome you can’t fully control. Even when you eat well and exercise, the number on the scale can fluctuate. Instead of focusing solely on body weight, focus on inspiring numbers you can control more. For example:

• How long can you exercise? With frequent practice, you will slowly increase your amount of activity.
• How many steps do you take daily? Use an app to count steps, and gradually increase your number.
• How many repetitions of an exercise can you do? Start with a few sit ups, push-ups or bicep curls, and build on that number.

After a few weeks, you will start to see progress. If your weight goes down and your clothes fit better, that’s great. But even if they don’t, exercise still helps improve your well-being. That alone is worth the effort.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking. Spread activities throughout the week. Tip: Exercising more than the 150-minute minimum brings additional benefits. Add some muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.

Love yourself. It is important to stay positive because beauty comes from the inside out. — Jenn Prose

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