There’s no denying that living a sedentary lifestyle can lead to significant long-term health issues. A lack of physical activity can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, bone disorders, and other health issues. Furthermore, failing to keep your body moving can negatively impact your mental health. Unfortunately, remaining active is easier said than done.
The hustle and bustle of modern life can make daily exercise challenging. The latest studies indicate that fewer than half of all Canadian adults meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. This blog aims to help you understand the role that movement plays in preventative health while empowering you to take action despite your busy lifestyle.
How Daily Exercise and Regular Movement Impacts Longevity
The idea that physical movement can extend your life expectancy is nothing new. It’s a core component of holistic care, and an experienced naturopathic doctor will recommend exercise to help patients achieve optimal wellness. But what exactly does physical activity link to longevity and preventative health?
Incorporating movement into your daily life can improve your cardiorespiratory fitness level, which reflects how well your heart and lungs pump oxygen and blood throughout the body during periods of exercise. Studies have shown that a higher CFR, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, is associated with increased long-term mortality. The higher a person’s CFR levels, the longer they lived. That applies to people of all ages, but it’s especially notable in older people suffering from preexisting issues like hypertension.
The latest recommendations are at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of intense exercise per week to benefit.
Understanding the Benefits of Daily Exercise and Integrative Health
Longevity is a priority for many, but it’s not the only benefit you have to gain from being more active. Here are several other ways that exercise can improve your preventative health strategies.
- Improved Bone Health: As you age, your bones can lose density, making you more susceptible to injuries. Daily exercise can help maintain bone mass.
- Preserving Mobility: More movement can also help reduce the risk of joint pain and mobility issues, keeping you active longer. An RMT can help you improve mobility, but ongoing exercise will help you maintain results over the long haul.
- Weight Management: When you make a habit of moving more, you burn more calories to avoid weight gain, obesity, and all the health issues that come with it.
- Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: A naturopath will tell you that more movement can improve cardiovascular health, improving circulation, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. In the long term, exercise can reduce your risk of cardiovascular events.
- Better Sleep: Physical activity can help regulate your sleep cycle, ensuring your body can reset every night. It can also benefit your mental health, reducing stress and anxiety.
Tips for Getting More Physical Activity into Your Daily Life
Are you struggling to find time to move? It’s a common issue for adults throughout Canada. Follow these tips to incorporate movement into your daily life, even with a busy schedule.
- Start Small: You don’t have to jump into a crazy exercise routine. Start by incorporating movement into your daily routine, such as taking breaks to move, walking to work, and using the stairs whenever possible.
- Create a Schedule: Scheduling time to exercise can help you stay vigilant about preventative health. Even if you can only do 10-minute periods throughout the day, they help.
- Discover New Hobbies: Being active doesn’t always mean running on the treadmill or living at the gym. Find activities you love, such as swimming, sports, and more.
- Don’t Let Setbacks Get You Down: You may encounter some setbacks, including pain in the early stages. Don’t let them stop your progress. Visit a massage therapist to address pain and promote healing as you get into the swing of your daily exercise routine.
- Consider Working with Integrative Health Professionals: A wellness clinic can help you find ways to stay active and optimize your health. Work with a naturopathic doctor, registered massage therapist, and other specialists to develop a treatment plan that helps you reach your full wellness potential.
Staying active can make all the difference in the long term. It’s never too late to start making a difference. Visit a wellness clinic, take your first steps toward being active, and incorporate physical movement into your daily routine. Before you know it, you’ll feel better than ever before while making strides to boost longevity.
