The fact of the matter is that diet, by itself, isn't going to help you live a longer, healthier, more productive life. Diet is just a part of the equation. To truly live as long and as well as possible, you must exercise.
Exercise Sucks
Unless you're one of those sick puppies who enjoy working out, exercise isn't really much fun. That isn't to say that you're not happy when it's over, but actually finding the time and energy to do it is trying. A person can always find something else better to do. We've got bills to pay, TV to watch and playing with our kids; all of which are more fun than exercise. But, if you want to be healthier and happier, exercise is the key.
Finding Time
There never seems to be enough time to do all of the things we want to do anyway, so when can we find time to exercise? It's just like anything else, if it's important enough to you, and it should be, you'll find the time. But, it also depends on why you're exercising. If you're exercising for weight loss, the optimum time to do so is before breakfast, as that is when your body will burn the most calories. If you're exercising for general health anytime will do, but most experts recommend not exercising less than an hour before bedtime.
How Long and How Much?
Most experts now recommend that a person try and get at least twenty minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week, but that is the bare minimum. A better choice is to get twenty minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week. New studies are showing that an overweight person that gets twenty minutes of brisk walking in five days a week is actually better off health wise than a person of normal weight who does not exercise.
Now, how long and how much exercise one should try and achieve is also related to your initial state of health. A person should always check with their doctor ahead of time to make sure that you're not going to hurt yourself. It's not going to do you any good if you go out to exercise and have a heart attack, so take it easy and work up to your goal of twenty minutes a day, five days a week, but only after you've checked with your doctor.
Why?
That's the big question, isn't it? Why should I take twenty minutes out of my already busy and hectic day to exercise? I'm in pretty good shape. Sure, I could lose a couple of pounds, but who couldn't? The fact is that exercise will improve your standard of life more than you realize. Do you puff a little climbing those stairs at work? Have a little trouble keeping up with your five year old? Notice that you're stiff and sore for three days after two hours of work raking leaves? Twenty minutes a day, five days a week will help with all of those things.
Plus, there are other benefits that are not readily seen. You will either lose weight or your weight will stabilize so that you can determine the best course of action for losing weight. Blood pressure, coronary health, lung health and digestive health are all improved dramatically with just twenty minutes a day, not to mention helping with cholesterol and triglycerides. If you already have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes, exercise can help control your glucose levels. You'll sleep better, look better and your brain will work better. Some research now suggests that exercise may help prevent Alzheimer's and other degenerative brain diseases.
To Work!
So, if you're like me and have decided to make 2008 a healthier, happier year, it's time to go buy a pair of decent walking shoes (critical!), get off our butts and go walk twenty minutes a day. I live in a cold climate, so it's hard sometimes to get out and walk in the snow, but I figure that if I want to still be able to walk when I'm 90 (and if I want to make it to 90) I'd better get out there and do it! Good luck!
Happy Exercise and Health!
