Boost Your Body for Disease Prevention

Exercising keeps our bodies in shape and helps prevent future serious health problems such as heart disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Kate Lovett from the psychology department of Vanderbilt University explains that physical activity increases longevity and quality of life. Whether you’re exercising moderately or aerobically, the benefits of routine physical activity will help you maintain a more youthful appearance, sharpen the mind and ward off risks for serious disease. Taking healthy steps with each year that passes ensures that you’re doing your best to live optimally.

Act Now for Disease Prevention

Although life is best lived in the moment, we need to think about our health and how it affects our mind and body down the road. According to research conducted at Rush University Medical Center, exercising every day reduces your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.  Alzheimer’s disease, which generally strikes persons over 65 years of age, is a type of dementia. The most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are loss of recent memory recall, aggression, mood changes, and confusion.

Reduce your chance of getting Alzheimer’s by adding more movement to your daily routine. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone, regardless of age, get 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week. Studies show that individuals who follow the AHA’s advice have less arterial plaque, the buildup that can be a problem for people with Alzheimer’s. Customize exercise plans to your personal physical abilities. Even simple exercises, such as cleaning your house and gardening, can improve brain function.

Adopt 5 Fun Ways to Get Moving

Hula Hoop: Twirling a hula hoop around your waist for 30 minutes will burn approximately 210 calories. Exercising with a hula hoop also tones your hips, legs, abdomen, knees, buttocks and thighs.

Run or Walk: If your schedule is packed and you want to squeeze in a quick workout, this is an activity you can do anywhere. Run at your local park, jog around your neighborhood or create your own route close to work using mapmyrun.com . Walking is a good all-over toner that provides excellent benefits to the heart. Walk for 30 minutes and you’ll melt off 125 calories.

Recumbent Bike: Similar to a stationary bike, the recumbent bike has a backrest on it, making it much more comfortable to use than a standard bicycle. Riding a recumbent for 30 minutes will make the average person shed approximately 150 calories. Other benefits include legs and abdomen toning. At Runjanellerun.com — recumbent bike exercises, running inspiration, diet tips and more are offered for people who want to stay active, eat nutritiously and live healthily.

Trampoline: Jumping on a trampoline burns approximately 125 calories for every 30 minutes. Benefits of trampoline work include muscle toning, reduced stress, improvement in posture and increased circulation.

Jump Rope: Feel like a kid again! Jumping or skipping rope burns calories, improves muscle tone in your legs and strengthens your heart.

Our guest writer, Marc Shelton, is a health and wellness expert and uses his knowledge of the field to freelance for articles and blogs. He hates treadmills.

Image Credit: hula hoop workout

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