To Your Health

Exercise is important for everyone

Even if you are at a healthy weight, that doesn’t mean you are getting the exercise you need.

Why should I exercise if I don’t want to lose weight?

Young or old, plump or trim, you will benefit from regular exercise, whether you realize it or not. Being active can help you fall asleep and sleep well. It contributes to clearer and faster thinking, more energy, better stress management and more overall energy. With all of those benefits, it can come as no surprise that it makes you healthier and helps you to live longer too.

One important key is your heart. The more active you are, the better your heart works and a healthy heart means you are less likely to develop high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease.

If you already have any of these problems, staying active may help you to have better control over them, feel better, and live longer.

What kind of exercises do I need to do?

If you are just getting started with a fitness program, lots of people seem to have success with a walking program. Remember though that being fit includes keeping all of your muscles, bones, and joints as active and healthy as possible. So try to include all parts of your body in your week’s activities.

Lifting weights, even small ones, is a good way to make your muscles stronger. It also increases bone density, which is especially important for older adults. Stretching will help you stay flexible and coordinated. As you become more flexible, you will find it easier to reach things on high shelves, to look under a bed, or perhaps to tie your shoes. You will also have a better sense of balance and coordination.

Getting exercise doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money either! Check out these great frugal fitness tips.

Oh, and you might lose weight, even if that isn’t your goal - being more active burns calories. So if you aren’t already there, that can help you get to and stay at a healthy weight. When you exercise regularly, your body burns more calories even when you're resting. Being active may also lower your percentage of body fat and increase muscle strength and tone.

The best thing about being active and fit is a better quality of life. You’re more readily able to get up and go when opportunities for fun activities arise and you can enjoy those activities for longer periods of time.

Anything else I need to know?

Before you start, check with your doctor. Moderate activity is safe for most people, but it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before becoming more active. You can contact your Providence medical clinic to make an appointment. If you are at risk for or have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, your doctor may want to help you build an exercise plan matched to your needs. He or she may want to do tests before you start a plan. Or he or she may want you to be more careful and watch for injuries or other problems. After that – just get started!