8 Physical Activities to Improve Your Health
Participating in physical activities can boost your body’s health. Regular body exercises can help in preventing many diseases and health conditions such as obesity, however, some people lack time to get engaged in physical activities.
For people who aren’t regular exercisers and athletes, they may find the gym overwhelming and intimidating. Luckily, getting buff isn’t the only physical activity that can boost your health. There are simple and easy activities that can positively improve your health. These can help maintain your body weight, improve balance and range of motion, protect the joints, prevent bladder control disorders, and minimize chances of memory loss.
Regardless of your age or fitness level, physical activities are critical to your health. The following are some of the physical activities you can engage in as a beginner.
8. Swimming
Swimming can be a perfect workout. Water buoyancy supports the body and takes away joints' strain to enable the body to move as a streamline. Swimming is also suitable for people who have arthritis since they don’t have to bear more weight.
According to research, swimming can also improve an individual’s mental state and better their mood. You can also opt to engage in water aerobics. These activities facilitate burning calories and toning up. Although swimming is a fun activity, it’s important to observe safety precautions to avoid drowning.
7. Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a martial art that combines relaxation and movement. Tai Chi is referred to as ‘mediation in motion’ since it improves the physical well-being and the mental state. It involves a series of graceful movements as you transition from one position to the next.
Since Tai Chi classes are at different fitness levels and ages, it’s both valuable and accessible. Since balance is a vital fitness element, it’s suitable for older people as losing balance is a common risk in the elderly's daily routine.
You can find Tai Chi programs in community centers, health clubs, or senior centers and even on social media.
6. Strength Training
Some people perceive strength training as a sturdy and masculine activity, however, this is not always the case. Lifting light weights can improve your strength, although it may not bulk your muscles. According to experts, failure to use your muscles may lead to their loss of strength eventually.
Muscles also facilitate the burning of calories. The more muscular you are, the more calories you burn. Hence it's easier to maintain a healthy weight. As with other physical activities, strength training helps preserve the brain function later in your life.
It’s essential, first, to learn the proper form before you start an intense training program. You can start with light weights of 10 or 15 pounds. Later on, you will find yourself lifting 10 times heavier weights with ease. You can increase the weights you lift with time, technique, and dedication.
5. Walking
Walking is a simple but robust physical activity. It helps maintain trim, improving cholesterol levels, strengthening bones, controlling blood pressure, and minimizing the chances of developing various diseases such as diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Various studies indicate that walking and other physical activities can improve your memory's ability and reduce the chances of memory losses linked to age. You only require supportive and well-fitting shoes. Start by taking 10-15 minute walks and increase the time to 30-60 minutes a day as you progress.
4. Kegel Exercises
Although these exercises don’t improve a person’s physical appearance, their impacts are significant. They strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that offer support to the bladder. Strong pelvic floor muscles can help in the prevention of incontinence.
Though Kegel exercises are beneficial to women, they can also benefit men. Appropriate Kegel exercises involve squeezing muscles you would use in preventing the passing of urine or gas. You should hold the contraction for approximately two to three seconds, then release it. Ensure your pelvic muscles are completely relaxed after the contraction. Repeat this process at least two times and try to perform four sets daily.
3. Yoga
Yoga can be a workout choice for staying flexible and active. There are several types of yoga, and each has a different intensity and difficulty level. Engaging in yoga can improve an individual's well-being in several ways, according to research.
Some of these benefits include managing back pain, relieving anxiety and stress, and uplifting an individual’s mood. There are several yoga classes on the internet, however, it can be challenging to know where to start if you have never participated in yoga. Consider seeking guidance from various resources.
2. Cycling
Cycling is an effective way to stay physically fit and reduce the risk of various health complications linked to living an unhealthy lifestyle. It’s a low impact and healthy exercise that can be done by people of different age groups, and it’s inexpensive, fun, and environmentally friendly. You can also combine your exercise and every day activities by cycling to school, work, or to casual activities. Approximately one billion people use bicycles as a means of transportation.
It’s also important to take safety precautions while cycling to avoid accidents. Just like you service your car by checking the braking system, tires, and car rims, always ensure your bicycle is in good condition.
1. Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee involves working your way down in the field by passing a Frisbee disc back and forth to your teammates as you avoid the opposing players. Your main aim in Frisbee is similar to football, just way fewer concussions. Typically, each team consists of seven players, but you can increase or reduce the numbers to fit your needs.
Ultimate Frisbee enables you to stay physically active and socialize with other people. Just like other physical activities, Frisbee has numerous health benefits.
Physical activities are critical in improving your body's health, both physically and mentally. You can reduce the risks of various diseases such as diabetes and heart disease by engaging in physical activities. You do not have to go to the gym since there are several activities you can take up. Ensure you devote some time to engaging in physical activities to improve your health and physical state.