Looking for Permanent Weight Loss? Exercise is Key!
The United States National Weight Control Registry has found that 90% of successful dieters (lose weight and keep it off for about 5 years) exercise about one hour per day. Besides helping you lose weight and keep it off, exercise benefits your health in many other ways.
- Reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
- Reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
- Reduces the risk for diabetes.
- Reduces the risk for certain cancers.
- Reduces stress for many people.
- Improves sleep and anxiety.
- Increases your sense of well-being.
- May improve your memory as you age.
What the best exercise for me? Find an exercise that you enjoy and will do consistently and that’s the best exercise for you, at least to start. As exercise becomes a daily habit, you may want to refine your routine to work on different muscle groups or just look for more variety.
When is the best time to exercise? Whenever it fits into your schedule. Most people today are busy and they often don’t schedule in daily exercise. It’s important for your health. Schedule it!
Tips for successful exercise:
- Start slowly. If you haven’t exercised for awhile, you may strain muscles unnecessarily. Walking might be a good one for you.
- Several short sessions daily works. If you can’t fit in an hour to exercise, break it into smaller pieces that add up to an hour.
- Find a friend. The buddy system works well for keeping you on your exercise program.
- Move with the family. Get your whole family out for a walk. It’s good for you at any age.
- Steps work. Small choices in your day will make a difference in your weight loss efforts. Take the steps instead of the elevator. Park in the farthest spot at work or while shopping. Stand up while talking on the phone.
- Keep records. Keep track of your exercise and see if you are meeting your goals. Tracking your food intake and weight also helps monitor your progress.
