Taking exercise is important but many see it as extra hard work and unnecessary. Many of us are great at making excuses: I am tired, I am too busy and so on, and many of us would do anything rather than take exercise. Even those who manage to stay slim also need to take moderate exercise. In the Gulf there are fewer opportunities for physical exercise, as people drive everywhere. And many of us are prepared to pay staff rather than do any physical work.
Exercise is the first step to losing weight and getting healthy even before you start dieting. Think exercise: It is the first step toward a healthy future. A good quality of life is something we all aspire to and for this we need to feel happy, self-confident and to have good health.
Taking exercise can really make a difference and being fit will increase your chances of enjoying all aspects of your life. Exercise puts you in touch with your body and that makes you feel you want to take care of it
The reason exercise works is that it makes you feel good by releasing mood-elevating hormones, and promoting a sense of well-being. In some studies, exercising regularly has helped ease mild to moderate depression and lessens the desire to eat for comfort. When you start taking exercise there is a change in the body and the mind and everything else starts to feel achievable.
To get the best out of exercise for the body and mind turn off all noise and distractions and quiet your mind: This is your body maintenance time. Focus on your movements and breathing, and how your body feels with each movement. The best time to exercise in the hot season is early morning and in with the air conditioning on. Give the early morning and the best part of the day to yourself. If you wait until you have been out in the heat, it can sap your energy and make you feel tired. Taking exercise in the morning fills you with positive energy for your day. To help you get started send an e-mail for a free copy to [email protected]
After an afternoon nap is also a good time. Regular physical activity makes an enormous difference to the quality and length of your life, a fact underscored by hundreds of solid studies. If you decide to join a gym, choose one that is convenient, either near your home or near your office and use it on the journey to or from work. If you have to drive a long way to the gym you will not go
I feel that in the Gulf where it can be difficult to get outside to exercise it is important to have gym membership or live in an apartment with a gym or if you are able to make your own small gym in your home and invest in your own treadmill. It is not an optional extra or a luxury, it is important to your health.
Guidelines for amounts of exercise depend on whom you talk to, but the standard advice is at least 30 minutes on at least 3 days a week for significant health benefits. If you have not exercised before, start with just a few minutes every day first thing in the morning. That way you get the day off to a good start. Everything helps and you can start gently. Send an e-mail me for the following exercises:
Bed exercise: [email protected]
Chair exercise: [email protected]
Office exercises: [email protected]
And if you would like to receive my motivational newsletter that is available in English and Arabic, e-mail me at: [email protected]
Getting into a regular routine is the key to success because once something becomes a habit you start to do it without thinking.
One final reason why exercise will make you happy is that it is the best anti-aging potion ever — and it’s free!
Ask Alva
I have given up smoking after 20 years. What should I eat to improve my health and to help me avoid getting cancer? — MS
Firstly, well done! I would advise you to speak to your doctor about taking extra supplements to boost your immune system especially vitamin C and E. As for diet increasing your fruit and vegetables intake is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of cancer after smoking. Make sure you eat 5 portions of brightly colored fruit and vegetables every day. — Alva
Email: [email protected]
Think Exercise
