With one of the most calorific holidays of the year quickly approaching us, it is important to stay healthy and physically active during Thanksgiving break.
In order to stay in shape, a consistent workout routine is necessary. According to the American Heart Association and U.S government released dietary guidelines, at least 30 minutes a day is recommended five days a week. By obtaining this 30 minute goal, your risk of conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes can be decreased.
Aerobic exercise, more commonly known as cardio, consists of low to medium intensity exercise that can be sustained over a period of time. Common cardio exercises include jogging, biking, and walking. By going for a 20-30 jog, bike ride, or brisk walk five times a week, you can boost your immune system, increase your stamina, strengthen your heart, and clear your arteries. Also, activities like walking have been proven to reduce stress and boost your mood.
Another type of exercise, anaerobic exercise, consists of high intensity exercise over a short period of time. Examples of anaerobic exercise include sprinting, weight lifting, and jumping rope. Anaerobic exercise is great for building strength and boosting your metabolism.
The intensity of your workout should vary depending on your fitness level. According to WebMd, people interested in becoming more physically active should “start low and go slow”. Also “people who go about it [exercise] too aggressively early in the program, they tend not to stick with it in the long haul. It is important to develop healthy habits that you can stick with for a lifetime.”
This holiday break, try to challenge yourself to be more active. Go for a hike, jog, or bike ride. Staying healthy doesn’t have to be a burden, it should be fun! The retired body builder Lee Haney once said “Exercise is to stimulate, not to annihilate. The world wasn’t built in a day, and neither were we. Set small goals and build upon them.”
