We know that exercise is good for us. From reducing the risk
of heart disease, weight management, controlling cholesterol,
diabetes, and high blood pressure levels to boosting energy levels
and managing stress, study after study have shown that exercise
can not only save our lives in the long-term but improve its quality
as well. Moreover, according to the Surgeon General's Report on
Physical Activity and Health, higher levels of regular physical
activity are associated with lower mortality rates for both older
and young adults. Even those who are moderately active on a regular
basis have lower rates of mortality than those who are least active.
So, why are less than 50% of Americans leading a moderately
active lifestyle?
In a study which appeared in the May/June 1998 issue of the Archives
of Family Medicine, 16,890 women and 12,272 men at least 18 years
old were asked abut their leisure-time physical activities. Only
38% met the Surgeon General's Guideline of 30 minutes of moderate
physical activity most, if not all, days of the week. Most alarmingly,
however, is that women, ethnic minorities, adults with lower educational
attainment, and older adults were least active. Furthermore, according
to the Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health,
about 25% of adults report no physical at all in their leisure
time.
The Same Old Exercise Excuses
Too busy to exercise? Incorporate it into your day. You've probably
heard them all. Park farther away from the entrance of your office
or shopping mall. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Engage
in play with your kids or the dog.
Not enough time in your day to exercise? Is time really the enemy
or is it our modern habits? What are most Americans doing for
most of the day? Whether it is watching television, working at
our desks, or driving hither and yon, we are sitting down. However,
a life of convenience may actually shorten your life.
Too tired to exercise? Get out of the habit of rushing everywhere
and take time to take care of your body. If the store is a few
blocks away and you only need 1 or 2 items, walk instead of driving.
Instead of going to the movies on a beautiful Saturday afternoon,
go to the zoo, stroll through an art gallery, or go for a hike.
Rushing everywhere puts unnecessary stress on our minds and our
bodies. Get your heart pumping for another reason. Be interactive
instead of inactive.
