It’s no secret that most Americans don’t live a healthy lifestyle or get enough exercise. As a result, health problems like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are on the rise. All of these are reasons to switch to a healthier lifestyle. The good news is that even if you begin with small steps, they will make a difference. You can start by using the exercise equipment that’s been sitting in your basement for months and planning a healthy diet.
Are you getting enough exercise?
In order to stay healthy and to maintain good cardiovascular health, you need a moderate amount of physical activity for at least half an hour five days a week, according to the Cleveland Clinic. That’s about two and a half hours per week of moderate exercise, like walking. It isn’t too difficult, but most people don’t achieve this target. In fact less than 5% get the daily recommended amount of exercise, and just about one third reach the weekly goal, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
It’s not just adults, but also kids who aren’t getting enough exercise. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that just one child out of three engages in physical activity each day. This is especially alarming because childhood habits can set the pattern for a lifetime. It’s actually up to the adults to set a good example, and right now, they’re not doing a good job of it.
Setting up a fitness routine
Setting up a fitness routine doesn’t have to be complicated. And it doesn’t have to be hard work. You could try and find a local sports team, or just join in pick up games at the park. Enroll your kids in after school sports or the neighborhood baseball team. You could also invest in indoors exercise equipment so you can still follow your fitness routine when the weather is too rough to go outside.
When setting up your home fitness equipment, keep in mind that to sustain any kind of routine, it helps to have variety. If you get both kinds of home fitness equipment, for cardio and strength training, you won’t get bored. You’ll be able to vary and change your routine, which will keep your muscles from getting accustomed to one set of moves and plateauing out.
Shifting to a healthy lifestyle
Exercise is one part of shifting to a healthy lifestyle, but you have to pay attention to your diet as well. Adding healthy choices to your weekly menu, like whole grains, fruit and vegetables, yogurt and nuts will sustain you and make the transition easier. In fact, as you begin to eat healthy and exercise, you’ll find your body craving more of the good things rather than the bad. It does get easier as you go along.
There are many benefits to adding exercise and a healthy diet to your routines. You’ll lose weight, feel better and work better. You’ll have more energy and focus and find it easier to get through the day. Keep in mind that you should also get enough sleep. Rest is as important as home exercise equipment as you create your home fitness routines.
The best way to transition to a healthy lifestyle is by making small changes, which will add up to make a difference. Each small step also makes the next one easier. So you can progress from walking to getting some exercise equipment for your home gym. Perhaps the best thing about shifting to a healthy lifestyle is that it will set an example to your kids that they can follow for a lifetime.