We know that taking the first step in committing to regular exercise can be daunting, but the health and weight loss benefits are immeasurable. Even if the gym is not for you, there are many other ways to reap these benefits.
Here’s how to get started:
Indoor workouts
With little to no equipment needed to start, indoor workouts are a perfect way to get yourself moving without signing up for a gym membership. This is cost-efficient and works around your schedule, so you can get that extra bit of exercise whenever you feel like it.
Generally, at least 30 minutes of exercise a day is necessary for a healthy lifestyle, though this varies depending on your specific weight loss goals. To get started, try jumping jacks, squats, push-ups, high knees, and climbers. It’s important to make a routine that works for you – ‘little and often’ is a good mindset for beginners.
Yoga
Though not as aerobic as other forms of exercise, yoga is beneficial in increasing strength, improving concentration, and leaving you feeling refreshed. Yoga can be accompanied by mindfulness and breathing practices to really bring you into the present moment.
This in turn lowers blood pressure and calms the mind. High blood pressure, in severe cases, can cause cardiovascular disease, with 54% of strokes and 47% of coronary heart disease being the result of blood pressure complications. By incorporating yoga into your daily routine, you will significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The calming properties of yoga can also help you sleep better – something which is pivotal to your health needs and general well-being. Click here to read our article Feeling tired despite getting 8 hours of solid sleep each night?
Dancing
Dancing is an easy way to promote weight loss while having a bit of fun. Depending on the type of dancing, you can burn up to 207 calories in just 30 minutes (with this specific statistic relating to swing dancing).
If classes aren’t your style, you can dance from the comfort of your home – freestyle, or accompanied by a dance video. So put on your earphones, play your favourite songs, and dance like no one’s watching. As your heart rate increases, you’ll burn calories while feeling the benefits of dopamine and endorphin release
Walking, running, and hiking
Exercise outside of the gym can be as easy as parking further away from work and walking every morning and as pleasurable as scenic hikes in mother nature. In general, walking, running, and hiking have been proven to reduce body fat while toning muscles. It will strengthen your bones and heart, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and even some types of cancer. Consider different speeds and distances that suit you and your weight loss goals.
You will benefit the most from regular exercise if you eat well-balanced meals personal to you and your body. This too can be daunting, but you are not alone. Our Nutrition Plans provide everything you need from meal plans to shopping lists so you can fully benefit from your efforts. Speak to us today or fill in your details below if you’d like to know more about our individual-specific plans.