Sedentary or a physically inactive lifestyle is a modern day gift. CDC has reported that 78% of population leads a sedentary lifestyle and hence is at a risk of several health problems.
So what does sedentary lifestyle do to our body?
Decreased activity levels slow down our metabolism and hence puts a person at an increased risk of diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. Lack of exercise related hormones like endorphins increases the risk of stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia. Disuse causes our muscles to atrophy and can lead to several bone and joint problems. In simple words, it is much like a recipe for disaster!
On the other hand, engaging in physical activity something as simple as walking starting with 30 minutes a day and progressing per tolerance can not only reduce the risks of these ailments but also lead to elevated mood, reduced stress and anxiety, improved bone and joint health.
So what would a simple basic exercise program look like? How do I get started?
It totally depends. Exercises should be catered to a person’s age, overall health conditions, previous activity levels etc. A triathlete will not gain much by engaging in a 30 minute brisk walking program. However, a sedentary person may burn significant calories and elevate their heart rate in a 20 minute bike ride.
A good rule of thumb would be to start with a safe exercise that your body is comfortable with and progress it gradually by 10% every other session monitoring your soreness levels. Once you have achieved a comfortable level of activity, do not forget to mix and match your exercise routine with variations and also incorporate strengthening and flexibility programs in your daily routine to prevent injuries.
Exercise and fitness should not be an optional, per convenience activity in your life. It should make a way into must-do’s in your daily calendar just as brushing your teeth or eating a meal 3-4x/day. It all goes hand in hand.
Want to know more?
We also know not everyone is ready to commit to regular physical therapy appointments, and that’s why we offer our Free Information Guide! This Guide is for people in our community who want really valuable, expert information about their Neck Pain or Shoulder problems. We know it’s confusing out there with all of the information floating around on Google and Facebook, and this is a valuable first step towards getting some real answers for your problem.
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