If your work/ life balance does not give you much time for exercise, consider planning your workout in smaller segments during the day.
Studies show that taking these shorter bursts of exercise throughout the day can be as beneficial as a longer workout. This can also counteract the negative effects of sitting for hours at work.
Apply the basic workout principles to your mini workout with a minute warm up, a mixture of strength, cardiovascular and flexibility activity and a minute cool down. Remember to keep up the intensity so that you get the maximum benefit from your exercise. When your body produces sweat, that is a good sign that you are putting forth adequate effort.
You may want to begin your morning with 10 minutes to help you get your day started. Lunchtime is the perfect opportunity to get your blood flowing and energize yourself with exercise. In the evening, take your family out for a brisk walk. Add other bursts of movement throughout the day by taking the stairs and parking further away from entrances.
All activity is beneficial, whether you are walking to deliver a message to a coworker, you take 10 minutes to do a mini strength routine or you end your evening with some gently stretching.
This is Sheila Harrell with the Church Health Center
If you have a question for Life Matters, send it to health@wkno.org