15 tips for an active life
by Andrew May
Everyone can benefit from regular exercise. Moderately exercising (such as a brisk walk) for at least 30 minutes a day for most days of the week will give benefits to overall health. People who exercise regularly enjoy the following benefits:
• Have lower blood pressure
• Find it easier to manage weight
• Have less chance of a heart attack
• Live longer
• Have strong muscles and bones
• Sleep better
• Feel more relaxed and confident
• Are less stressed
Here are some simple ways to get moving on your way to an active life:
1. Use the stairs rather than the lift or escalator where you can. If there is no option, walk up the escalator, rather than standing still.
2. When taking the bus or train, get off one stop early and walk the rest of the way.
3. Get out into the garden and enjoy the weeding.
4. Organise lunchtime activities with your workmates, or just go for a walk at lunchtime.
5. Wherever possible, walk or ride a bike instead of using a car.
6. Start and/or end each day with a walk around the neighbourhood (especially during daylight savings when there are plenty more daylight hours at the end of your day).
7. Next get together with your friends. Instead of the pub, why not go bowling, bush-walking, play tennis or some social cricket?
8. Hide the remote controls in the house and get up to change channels on the TV. Remember, exercise is an opportunity, not an inconvenience!
9. Join a sporting group, recreation club or gym.
10. Learn to play golf.
11. Hire an exercise bike so you can exercise at home.
12. Choose active leisure activities – walking on the beach, throwing a Frisbee in the park, bike-riding.
13. Take an exercise class – at a gym, in a community hall or at work.
14. Take your kids or grandkids to play ball in the park.
15. Walk to the next office to give a colleague a message, instead of sending emails!
Remember, find an activity you enjoy and that way you are more likely to keep it up!
Andrew May is is considered Australia’s leading expert on performance and productivity and is the author of the bestselling book, Flip the Switch. Andrew speaks at conferences across the globe, mentors CEO’s and senior managers. He is published throughout national and international media, with regular segments on 2UE radio, Mix 106.5 Body and Soul and Channel Nine’s TODAY show.