Want to keep healthy? Find out the five exercises you should do every day
Holding on to good health and vitality is nearly impossible unless exercise is a part of your daily life. Exercise is often touted for weight loss or recommended as a way to look younger and more attractive, but the simple fact is that regular exercise is necessary to keep your body limber, toned, and working properly. If you are not used to exercising, you should check with your physician before starting any exercise program. Here are the five best daily exercises to keep healthy and fit at every age:
#5: Swimming
Swimming is an ideal exercise for everyone, no matter his or her age or fitness level. The resistance provided by water helps to build strong muscles, and the cardiovascular aspect of swimming is great for your heart and lungs. Swimming every day is particularly great for anyone with arthritis. The buoyancy of the water cushions your body and takes the strain off joints and bones, making it easier to move through a range of motion without pain. If swimming is not to your liking, water aerobics provides many of the same benefits.
#4: Squats
Squats are beneficial to a surprisingly large number of body systems. Performing squats on a daily basis improves flexibility and balance and helps prevent injuries in your lower back, hip, knee, and ankle. The exercise improves communication between your muscles and brain, and even helps regulate your body’s fluid distribution to organs and tissues in the lower part of the body. This can improve bathroom regularity, something that looms in importance as we reach ages that are more advanced.
#3: Stretching/ flexibility training
Stretching or flexibility training makes the list of exercises you should do every day because it keeps your body limber. When you are flexible, it is easier to perform all the activities of normal life, and you are less likely to sustain injuries performing daily tasks. Daily stretches are equally important whether you have an office job, work from home, or spend your day performing physical activities. Flexibility training such as gentle stretching, chair yoga, or toe touches, should be performed slowly and smoothly, for about 5 or 10 minutes every day.
#2: The Plank
The plank is one of the best daily exercises because it works out virtually every section of your body, tightening and firming your legs, hips, glutes, back, and arms. In fact, the AARP actually recommends the plank as the best all-around exercise for anyone over 50. Simply holding your body in the “up” position of a pushup may not seem hard, but once you try it, you’ll feel the burn. Make sure your body is in a straight line with abs tightened and back flat. Start by holding a plank position for 30 seconds and work your way up to 60 seconds at a time. Doing this incredibly effective exercise once or twice a day, every day, is enough to see a positive benefit.
And #1: Walking
Walking is generally regarded as the best exercise for overall health. It is easy to do, is accessible for people of every age and athletic ability, and studies show walking provides numerous health benefits. You can walk anywhere, even in your house or office if weather is bad. Walking improves cholesterol levels, can help you lose weight, and has been shown to lower your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Start by walking for 10 minutes at a time, and gradually work your way up to walking for at least 30 minutes a day.
If you want more advice on healthy living, www.BetterHealthKare.com has tons of workout tips, easy ways to de-stress, and other tips for enjoying a healthier lifestyle.
