Time to Start Moving: Make Exercise Part of a New Routine
Slip on your sneakers and take some steps to improve your health. Exercise boosts your immune system, helps relieve stress, and provides a sense of well-being and self-esteem. Moderate, regular exercise also lowers your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease, controls blood sugar and decreases cholesterol.
HOW TO START
If you are new to exercise, or starting a different exercise routine, choose an activity you enjoy like walking, biking, running or lifting weights. You are more likely to stick with activities that you are excited about.
“It’s important to first gradually introduce yourself to the activity by starting with shorter time duration’s and levels of intensity,” said Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation athletic trainer Gabrielle Haubenstricker. “You want to prepare your body for longer and higher intensity sessions in the future.”
If you’re planning to take your exercise routine outside this summer, it’s important to take the heat into consideration and take the necessary precautions.
“When exercising outdoors, don’t rely solely on the temperature,” Gabrielle explained. “Make sure you’re aware of the heat index – a combination of the temperature and the relative humidity.”
TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR EXERCISE OUTDOORS:
• Drink water before you exercise to help lower your body temperature and replace the fluids you lose when you sweat.
• Exercise early or later in the day when the temperature and heat indx aren’t as high. Remember to wear a mask and keep proper social distance around others when you’re exercising outside.
• Look out for signs of heat illness and seek medical attention
if you show symptoms like:
– Muscle cramps
– Nausea or vomiting
– Dizziness or lightheadedness
– Increased heart rate
