Want to live longer and enjoy better health? Then you should make exercise a habit! The benefits of physical activity go beyond a lean, fit body. Thousands of studies indicate that exercise wards off depresses, relieves stress, lifts your mood, and boosts self-esteem. It may also help prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other life-threatening disorders. If you need help getting started, follow these exercise tips:
Set Smart Goals
Decide what matters to you, whether it’s weight loss, muscle building, or better health. Set goals that are motivating instead of frustrating. Work out to crush your goals and make your dreams come true. When you have clear objectives, it’s easier to stick to your exercise plan and build healthier habits.
Train at High Intensity
Workout intensity can make or break your progress. By stepping up the intensity, you’ll get better results in less time. For instance, you can experiment with HIIT or do full body circuits. Compared to steady state cardio, HIIT burns more calories and helps preserve muscle. A typical session lasts five to 20 minutes, so you’ll have more time for yourself.
Go Heavy
More than 90 percent of athletes are dealing with overuse injuries. Aging, poor diet, and lack of exercise only make things worse. The best way to stay fit and prevent injuries is to hit the weight room. Strength training increases bone mineral density, boosts your flexibility and endurance, and raises metabolism. Lift weights at least three times a week to fully reap the benefits.
Forget Calorie Counting
Any form of exercise, whether it’s running, swimming, or strength training, burns calories. Weighing yourself and counting calories should be your last concern. Exercise has many benefits aside from fat loss. If all you care about is the amount of calories burned, you’re missing out on reaching your potential. Focus on building strength and endurance instead of counting calories.
