Low-Impact Exercise

Posted on by TP Mechanical

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

While most people desire the health benefits of exercise, not all exercise can or should be performed by everyone. For many people, health conditions or long-term injuries prevent them from taking up some of the more demanding forms of exercise.

bigstock-Runner-feet-running-on-road-cl-33686270If you fall into one of those categories, low-impact exercise may be what you’re looking for. Designed to limit stress on the body, low-impact exercise can still be intensive enough to provide cardiovascular and musculoskeletal benefits. You don’t need to be a mountain climber or marathoner to obtain rewarding levels of personal fitness, but you do need regular exercise in order to maintain your health and well-being. Consider the following forms of exercise as a way to meet your fitness goals:

  • Walking. The simplest form of exercise is still one of the best. This low-cost, low-stress workout will benefit your body and mind without taking a toll on your body. Just make sure your shoes are up to the distance and terrain challenges.
  • Swimming is one of the most grueling exercises out there. However, it can be done by almost anyone since its demands on the body’s joints are practically non-existent.
  • Elliptical trainer. This stationary exercise machine provides a full-body cardio workout while limiting impact on joints.
  • Cycling. Whether stationary or in motion, pedaling a bike burns major calories without punishing your body.

One Step at a Time

Posted on by TP Mechanical

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

Whether meandering from the couch to the refrigerator for a snack or cruising around the block as part of an exercise routine, almost everyone includes some walking into their day. Walking is a great form of exercise for achieving better health and burning calories. But do you know the recommended amount of walking to achieve optimum benefits?

bigstock-Runner-feet-running-on-road-cl-33686270Studies show that walking 10,000 steps, or about 5 miles, is an excellent daily goal for most people. But you don’t have to do endless laps around the local high school track; steps throughout your day all add up to a healthier you. Try wearing a pedometer to help you monitor how close you are to reaching your goal—whether you start by aiming for 5,000, 10,000 or 20,000 steps a day. Here are some ways to incorporate more steps into your daily life:

  • Climb the stairs instead of awkwardly staring down strangers in the elevator.
  • Park a few spots farther from the door and stretch your legs with long strides before shuffling through a crowded store.
  • If you sit at a desk all day, drink a lot of water. Your body will periodically remind you to get up for a stroll to the restroom.
  • Window-shop downtown or at the mall instead of surfing online stores.
  • Give in to those puppy eyes and take your dog for a walk.

Every step counts so keep walking! Although a vigorous walk of at least 30 minutes has additional benefits, reaching 10,000 steps every day is a great start toward better health.