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The Hidden Power of Incidental Exercise
13.08.23
It's a familiar sentiment: exercise benefits your health. Arguably, it might be the most crucial step you take for your well-being. Coupled with nutritious eating and routine doctor visits, both structured and spontaneous exercise is vital for maintaining health.
So, what's the recommended exercise dosage? The Department of Health suggests that adults aged 18 to 64 engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. The encouraging part? Achieving this doesn't require you to become a gym fanatic.
Why is Exercise Good For You?
Before diving into the concept of incidental exercise, it's crucial to understand the fundamental benefits of regular physical activity. Exercise has been heralded for its myriad advantages for both our physical and mental well-being. Here are just a few reasons why exercise is so beneficial:
1/ Physical Health: Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, increases muscle strength, improves cardiovascular health, enhances flexibility, and promotes better respiratory function.
2/ Mental Health: Engaging in physical activity is a proven mood booster. It releases endorphins, the body's natural stress relievers, and can help combat symptoms of depression and anxiety.
3/ Disease Prevention: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of various diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
4/ Brain Health: Physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
5/ Longevity: People who exercise regularly have a lower risk of premature death and tend to live longer.
While structured workouts at a gym or fitness class can be a great way to get your exercise, they're not the only way.
What is Incidental Exercise?
Incidental exercise refers to the physical activity we get throughout the day without it being a formal or structured workout. It's the little movements and efforts that accumulate over the course of a day, leading to significant health benefits over time. While these activities might not feel like traditional "exercise," they can still contribute meaningfully to your overall physical activity levels.
10 Examples of Incidental Exercise
1/ Walking to Work or the Store: Instead of driving or taking public transport for short distances, opt to walk. This not only gets your steps up but is also an eco-friendly choice!
2/ Taking the Stairs: Ditch the elevator or escalator. Stair climbing is excellent for toning the lower body and improving cardiovascular health.
3/ Gardening: Activities like digging, planting, and even mowing the lawn can be quite the workout, engaging multiple muscle groups.
4/ Playing with Pets: From playing fetch with your dog to running around with your cat, interacting with your pets can be an enjoyable and active way to spend your time.
5/ Housework: Cleaning, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming might not always be fun, but they do count as physical activity.
6/ Dancing: Whether you're out with friends or just dancing around your living room, moving to the beat is a fantastic way to get your heart rate up.
7/ Standing and Stretching: If you have a desk job, take regular breaks to stand up, walk around, and stretch your limbs.
8/ Carrying Groceries: Instead of using a cart, opt to carry a basket. This can provide a bit of resistance training as you shop.
9/ Cooking: While it might not seem like much, the acts of chopping, stirring, and moving around the kitchen can contribute to your daily physical activity.
10/ Walking Meetings: Instead of sitting in a conference room, consider having walking meetings. This can stimulate both your body and mind, leading to more productive discussions.
Incidental Exercise is Easy
In our busy lives, it might not always be feasible to slot in an hour-long gym session. But that doesn’t mean you can't stay active. By identifying and making the most of incidental exercise opportunities, you can ensure that you're moving your body and reaping the associated health benefits daily. Remember, every bit counts, and over time, these small activities can make a significant difference in your overall health and well-being.
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