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Making a healthy lifestyle change is a great thing, but many people struggle to take the first step – literally! All of the information and expectations about what a healthy lifestyle looks like can be overwhelming for a beginner in the fitness world. Let us break it down for you into a few simple tips so you can start to achieve your fitness goals!
Build Endurance
150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week is recommended for adults. That number may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it all at once! If you split that activity into 5 days of the week, it’s only 30 minutes per day. If 30 minutes per day still seems overwhelming, that’s okay! Start out with something small and gradually work towards that goal. Multiple short brisk walks per day will eventually add up to a big result! If you’re leading a sedentary lifestyle now, speak with your doctor about how to begin to build endurance without injuring yourself.
Find an Activity you Enjoy
Getting fit is much easier if you enjoy what you’re doing! Explore a variety of activities until you find something that not only gets your heart rate up, but that you can enjoy as well. Dancing, swimming, and bicycling are examples of aerobic exercises that many people forget are actually exercise at all! You may also find that you enjoy cooking classes as a fun way to learn new healthy recipes!
Ask for Help
You’re sure to have questions as you embark on your new healthy lifestyle and that’s okay. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family members, and your doctor if you need help or advice. Finding someone to make the healthy change with you is a great way to prevent feeling overwhelmed by the process!
Find Motivation
One of the biggest keys to kickstarting a healthy lifestyle is finding the motivation to keep going each day. Rather than focusing on weight loss or a superficial goal, keep these health benefits in mind:
- Improved sleep
- Mental clarity
- Lower risk for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart attack, and more
- Less depression and anxiety in your daily activities
- Improved balance
- Stronger bones
Being active and leading a healthy lifestyle truly leads to improvements in every aspect of who you are. You’ll gain self-esteem, reduce stress, feel healthier, and have a whole new appreciation for the world around you! Remember to pair these exercise tips with a balanced diet to see the best results.
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