More Health Tips!
Health Tips!
Physically Fit for the New Year
by: Anna Karmela So, M.D.
The holiday season left not only joy in our hearts but also bulges in our stomach. As the year kicks off, it is time for us to get back on our toes and start an active lifestyle. An Active Lifestyle is a perfect lead off for the new year.
A healthy adult's fitness plan should include aerobic exercise and strength training. The American Heart Association recommends performing at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week. Aerobic activities may include sports, such as basketball, badminton, and running, or exercises, such as Zumba and TaeBo. Doing exercise with equipment, such as treadmill, stationary bike, and elliptical are also considered an aerobic activity.
Strength training increase muscle mass, which means that calories burn more efficiently. Thus, weight decreases faster when doing strength training. Stretching must also be performed before and after to increase flexibility and reduce muscle strain.
An active lifestyle greatly benefits our overall health. It improves the heart and lung function resulting to a healthier blood circulation. This manifests as a pinkish glow. Moreover, it increases the muscle mass, which makes us look toned, and lessens fat that gives us a flabby appearance. Women should not be afraid to lift weights because it is not in their genetic and hormonal makeup to bulk-up like men. A physically fit individual not only improves strength but endurance as well. These individuals feel good most of the time and rarely feels weak or tired.
Let us start the year with an active lifestyle combined with a healthy balanced diet to enjoy the best that life can offer.
