Many people in the Gulf blame the climate and the car culture for not taking sufficient exercise. We live in a culture where we spend so much of the day sitting, so if we don’t take exercise, our bodies will become stiff and we will be burning few calories. But now that the weather in the Gulf is at its best it is time to think again about exercise. Exercise is key to being healthy and is the best anti-aging pill ever.
Just recently a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition has shown that exercising before breakfast resulted in greater fat loss and larger reductions in the level of fat in the blood than exercising later in the day.
I always believe that a little light exercise first thing in the morning is giving the best part of the day to yourself and the perfect way to start your day. Taking exercise in the morning fills you with positive energy. If we do not use our muscles they shrink, so starting the day with exercise is a great way to look after your body before the busy day begins.
My mini-morning workout contains exercise for each part of the body and to keep your body flexible and toned. To help you get started just send an e-mail for the exercise desired:
For bed exercise, e-mail: [email protected]
For chair exercise, e-mail: [email protected]
For office exercises, e-mail: [email protected]
For a mini morning workout, e-mail: [email protected]
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.
How much exercise?
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. I believe you need some every day: The body loves routine and if taking exercise is a choice that you can make some days but not others it means you can say, “Oh I will do it tomorrow”, and so on, until it just never gets done. So do a little every day.
What is your excuse?
Some will say, “I am just too tired to exercise”, but believe me, when you exercise you have far more energy and you feel more confident. After a hard day we often want to chill out in front of the television but just sitting does not always bring stress levels down. It is better to stop at the gym on the way home and arrive home feeling chilled and ready to enjoy the evening rather than sitting and brooding about work.
Good reasons to exercise
Exercise has a magical effect on our state of mind. Exercise really is a magic coping mechanism. This is because hormones are linked to exercise and hormones send the body very important messages for our sense of well-being. Exercise releases feel good hormones called endorphins in the brain that make you feel happy and positive.
Exercise gives a feeling of euphoria or exercise high which reduces tension and anxiety. Studies show that even moderate exercise makes you less likely to overeat.
After several weeks of exercise you will notice that the endorphins stay in your blood longer and your mood remains elevated for longer.
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.
Ask Alva
Thank you for your column: I always look forward to it. I am a sales rep and although I am now only 35 years old I am becoming fat. I spend time sitting in my car. There is no time for me to take exercise as I spend my spare time with my family relaxing watching television. Your suggestions would be much appreciated.
— Vinod
Sedentary lives make us fat. Everyone needs to be active. If you love television, don’t sit on the sofa — use your time constructively. Sit on an exercise bike and pedal away to your favorite program. Unwind with a game of ball with the children. Go for an evening walk with your family before supper. Clean your own car, or use the stairs at work. Every little bit of exercise helps your body — burns calories — lowers cholesterol — improves your mood and relieves stress. Whatever exercise you choose, for it to be successful it has to fit in with your life. I would suggest joining a nearby gym, as this would be a good investment for your future good health. Sign up for my monthly newsletter for regular tips on healthy living slimming, diet and exercise by e-mailing to: [email protected].
