Business Fit Magazine January 2020 Issue 2 | Page 14

Body However, the importance of looking after our body should not be under-estimated or ignored. It doesn’t have to be something intense, like suddenly going to the gym for a vigorous workout three times a week, or signing up for an expensive health club membership, which soon gets abandoned. Sometimes, like many things in life, it can be something quite simple. But often what is not considered is that a lifestyle change is required and this is where our new Year’s resolution often goes wrong. Our bodies deserve more than a quick-fix solution. They work hard for us, constantly: pumping our blood into our organs, breathing in air to give us life, working our limbs to move us from one place to another, they never stop. And so they deserve a little bit of thought and care, regularly. Not to mention the benefits on our mind, by exercising. Here are some good reasons for taking exercise seriously: • • • • • • • • • • It makes you feel happier, it eases anxiety and fights depression Helps you control your weight. Reduces your risk of heart diseases. Helps your body manage blood sugar and insulin levels. It triggers the growth of new brain cells and reduces dementia risk Strengthens your bones and muscles. Reduces your risk of some cancers, including colon, breast , uterine, and lung cancer. Improves your sleep. Increases your chances of living longer. Improves your sexual health. There is so much beauty around us and we are often in too much of a rush to appreciate it. Maybe you aren’t an outdoors type of person, so try a daily yoga or Pilates app, there are hundreds available to download. You can choose when you want to take the course, to fit in with your day. Or maybe you travel a lot and find it hard to have an exercise routine. A 20-minute yoga workout in your hotel room before taking your shower will help give your body some well-earned relaxation. There are many types of workouts to fit your situation. Maybe you suffer from lower back pain and working on that area can provide the pain relief you need. Or perhaps you want to increase your flexibility, balance or core strength. You can find the course to meet your needs, whether it is through an app or a local class. For some a personal trainer is a desirable option. A set time a couple of times a week, with someone to motivate you to reach your exercise goals and keep you on track. For those with more time, golf is a great option, walking the five or six miles and enjoying the company of friends. Or perhaps an end goal will work for you, make a decision to run in a 10km or half marathon and work out a training schedule. As with everything in life, we are all different, so we will not all be motivated by the same exercise style. However, we may need to change our mental attitude towards exercise and rather than seeing it as a chore, something we must endure, we need to find the brand of exercise which becomes a pleasure to us and which we can incorporate into our lives and our schedules. Even small life changes can help, simple things like taking stairs instead of the elevator, or walking to a colleague’s desk instead of sending them an email. Don’t always park in the spot nearest your destination. For more active work outs, find something you love to do. For some it may be a team sport, join a netball, a five-a-side football or rugby team. Or maybe you love to dance? Salsa and Ceroc are popular, find a local class, take your partner and then impress your friends when you next go dancing. Our bodies deserve more than a quick-fix solution If you love nature, take hikes in the mountains, parks, or forests and watch the seasons change through the year, as the spring flowers start to grow or the autumnal leaves change colour. 14 15