It wasn't always this way. Not long ago in the United States, a man who worked on a farm did the equivalent of 15 miles of jogging every day; and his wife did the equivalent of 7 miles of jogging.
Today, our daily obligations of work and home keeps us glued to our chairs, and if we want any exercise, we have to hunt for it.
In fact, health experts say that the major obesity problem is caused at least as much by lack of physical activity as by eating too much food. Hence, it really is important that people need to move around.
However, that doesn't mean that a lap or two around the old high school track will make up for a daily dose of donuts. Exercise alone isn't very efficient, experts say. They say that if you just exercise and don't change your diet, you might be able to prevent weight gain or even lose a few pounds...for a while.
Nevertheless, it's not something that you're likely to sustain unless exercise is part of the weight loss program. The more regularly you exercise, the easier it is for you to maintain your weight. Here is what to do every day to make sure that you get that exercise that you need.
1. Get quality Zzzs.
Make sure that you get enough sleep. Experts say good sleep habits are conducive to exercise. If you feel worn out during the day, you are way less likely to get very much physical activity during the day.
Plus, there's evidence that people who are tired, tend to eat more, using food as a substance for the rest that they need.
2. Walk the walk.
It's probably the easiest exercise program of all. In fact, it may be all you will ever need to do, according to some of the health experts.
Gradually build up to at least 30 minutes of brisk walking five times a week. Brisk walks themselves have health and psychological benefits that are well worth the time.
3. Walk the treadmill.
When the weather is bad, you might not want to go outside. But if you have a treadmill in the television room, you can watch TV and do your daily good turn for your weight-maintenance plan...at the same time! Lose weight while watching TV! Imagen that!!
4. Seize the time.
Excuses aside, lack of time is a limiting factor in most lifestyles. This is why health experts suggest a basic guideline for incorporating exercise into your schedule.
Get as much exercise as you can that feels good without having it interfere with your work or family life. If you need to, remind yourself that you're preventing many health problems when you prevent weight gain; and keeping your health is a gift to your family along with yourself.