Why is exercise so important?

Exercise is vitally important for a healthy body and a healthy mind: If you have never exercised before now is the time to start. The long hot summer is no excuse. Our bodies are designed for movement and manual work. Sadly, in wealthier countries the hard work habits of the past have disappeared in favor of high technology and lethargy. This means we all need to make time in our lives to give our bodies exercise.

So Many Benefits
Exercise can also make you feel great through the release of hormones called endorphins. It relieves stress and gives you inner calm. Some people take up exercise for the first time and it changes their lives, making them fitter and happier. Others notice that exercising lifts their spirits in general. I think of exercise as giving back to your body what has helped you on your long journey so far. Exercise is also good for your brain function; it improves circulation of blood to the brain. If I know I am going to have a day of difficult meetings I find that if I go for a morning walk or run I feel happy and positive about the outcome. Try it you will see it really helps.

Exercise helps blood pressure
Even moderate aerobic activity five times a week can lower blood pressure by 4 - 9 mm Hg. Being active will also help you to keep to a healthy weight, which is also good news for your blood pressure.

Best anti-aging pill
We are all living longer and we want to enjoy those extra years with full mobility. The single most important thing we can do as we age is to take exercise. As the saying goes, if you don’t use it you will lose it. Getting into the good habit of taking daily exercise is so important as it improves your body and keeps you fit, mobile and flexible for the future.

Exercise for a good posture
Having a strong core is really important, especially as we grow older. If you don’t want a flabby stomach and droopy, down-beaten posture you need to work on your core or middle muscles. A strong up right body not only makes you look more youthful there is nothing like a stoop to make you look old. A strong core prevents back problems, helps you lift children and carry on daily life without injury.
You may have seen advertisements for a flat stomach in two weeks but this is just hype. Just exercising one spot of the body puts the body out of balance. You need to exercise all your muscles as part of your overall exercise routine. For a really strong core you should aim to build up to 50 of the core exercises each day. If you have not taken much exercise for some time or have medical problems consult your doctor first.

Gentle start
If your stomach is flabby and you have not exercised for some time I suggest before you get down on the floor you start with some drawing-in exercises. This is very easy to do and anyone can do it anywhere. You simple draw in your stomach muscles for 30 seconds while still breathing naturally. In doing this you are strengthening and toning your stomach muscles. This drawing-in is also especially good for ladies after child birth. It tones your muscles while also helping to flatten your stomach. I often draw in my stomach muscles when I am sitting at my desk.

Getting started
Many people do not exercise because they say they are too busy and have no time. But now is the time to decide to give yourself permission to take time out of your busy life for exercise because your body needs it. Think of it as body maintenance time. Many of the people I have helped to achieve their ideal weight and fitness level have started gently in the comfort and privacy of their own homes, and the key is to do something every day, even if it is only for 20 minutes. Every little positive action you take is appreciated by your body and you will be rewarded.

How to start the day well
I believe everyone should start the day with a bit of stretching and a few gentle exercises to get the circulation going and to start the day well. If you look at animals, they instinctively yawn and stretch as they get out of their baskets to start the day. Even before you get out of bed you can start by gentle circling your hands and feet.
I suggest you start each day by performing my award winning Mini-Morning Workout before you hit the shower: It only takes ten minutes and you will be giving the best part of the day to yourself. Morning exercise makes you feel confident and energized all day. E-mail minan@ardenhealth.com for a free copy of my award winning Mini-Morning Workout.

Ask Alva
I am a housewife with two children. I eat to cheer myself up and I also eat snack food all day. When the children leave their food, I eat that too. My husband is often working late and I get lonely and enjoy eating out of boredom.
Kelly Anne
In times of trouble, we often turn to food to soothe our feelings and make us feel better. Too much comfort eating probably means that you need to make some positive changes in your life, to reduce the priority you place on comfort eating. If you are bored discuss that with your husband. Men are generally very practical and good at solutions. Taking exercise will make you feel more positive about yourself — at this time of year, start by taking evening walks and then time yourself to make it a little faster each week. Or you could join an exercise class or a gym. It seems to be that you are eating out of boredom and maybe because of slight depression. You need to start to fill your time with more interesting things to do. Start today! And don’t let yourself become the family dustbin. If you cannot resist eating the children’s leftover food, then ask them to help you by clearing their own plates into the bin.
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Email: alva.arabnews@naturalhealthlines.com