No…not your home or job. We’re talking about moving your body. Never has it been more important to make sure that we are exercising regularly for our physical—and mental—health.
Some people think that unless they join an expensive gym and outfit themselves in head-to-toe designer workout wear, they’re not doing it right. And that’s just wrong. You can do a whole lot of exercising without ever leaving your home and in your most comfy pyjamas, too!
For your physical health
According to the Mayo Clinic, “as a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.”1 That’s about the same as watching an episode of Jeopardy or House Hunters! You can spend your 30 minutes walking, working out with one of the countless exercise programs offered for free on services like YouTube, biking, swimming or even mowing the lawn!
When creating an exercise routine at home (or at the gym), make sure to include both heart strengthening (cardio) and muscle strengthening (resistance) exercises. And toss in some stretching before and after every workout to avoid stiffness and to keep your muscles flexible.
For your mental health
As we age, most of us will start to encounter the normal declines associated with aging including some memory loss. This is natural and not necessarily a sign of anything more serious, but here’s something to think about when you’re working out. According to a study done by the University of British Columbia,2 regular aerobic exercise, the kind that gets your heart pumping, can actually change your brain in a way that protects memory and thinking skills. And, you don’t have to go crazy with exercise to reap the benefits. In the study, participants walked briskly for one hour, twice a week. That’s it. And it helped significantly.
All that and better rates, too
Exercising for the health benefits should always be your goal, however, regular exercise comes with some added benefits that you may not have considered. Exercising can lower your blood pressure, improve blood sugar control, help with weight control and reduce your overall cardiovascular risk. If your life or health insurance was previously subjected to an increased premium because of health concerns, exercising could contribute to improving that risk which may allow your premiums to be lowered. Reaching out to your insurance advisor can help you understand your premiums.
Before starting on any exercise program, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor. And why not take our Wellness Quiz to see where you are today in terms of a healthy lifestyle and get some great tips for a better tomorrow.
Notes
- Edward R. Laskowski, "How much should the average adult exercise every day?," Mayo Clinic, July 26, 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916#:~:text=As%20a%20general%20goal%2C%20aim,sitting%20time%20is%20important%2C%20too.
- Heidi Godman, "Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills," Harvard Health Publishing, April 9, 2014, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110#:~:text=In%20a%20study%20done%20at,in%20verbal%20memory%20and%20learning.
Additional sources
- Robinson, Lawrence, Jeanne Segal and Melinda Smith. 2024. "The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise." Help Guide. Last modified February 5, 2024. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm.
- Walton, Alice G. 2022. "6 Science-Backed Ways Exercise Benefits The Body And Brain." Forbes. Last modified April 14, 2022. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2017/05/23/6-ways-exercise-benefits-the-body-and-brain/?sh=72f8f5c72503.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general information purposes only and should not be considered specific or personal investment, insurance, estate planning, legal or tax advice or a solicitation to purchase insurance. Nor should any medical information provided in this article be considered medical or health advice and should not be considered a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this article have been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of publication, ivari does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein.
For your convenience, this article may provide links to third-party sites, ivari makes no representations about these sites and access by you is at your own risk.
References to any products or services by trade name, trademark or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation or validation by ivari.
Categories
- Health and wellness