Physical Movement: Fitting it into a Busy Lifestyle

How Much Exercise Do We Need?

Godliness should always take precedence over physical fitness (1 Timothy 4:8). Still, the work and lifestyles of our forefathers demanded lots of physical activity. Today unfortunately, our society has totally changed. These days, most of us lead really busy lives, yet with barely any requirement for physical movement—which means today we have to consciously make it a part of our lives.

So, as far as how much exercise we generally need to maintain optimal health:

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), adults need a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity per day; while children between the ages of 6 and 17 years need a minimum of 60 minutes per day.

Why Is Physical Movement Important?

Essentially, there are many benefits to engaging the body in regular physical activity. These include stronger muscles and bones, better sleep, healthier skin, better physical health, and greater endurance.

A lack of movement, on the other-hand, can create an imbalance in our system that affects us as a whole. According to recent studies, this imbalance may even disrupt the body’s “circadian rhythms”—affecting the way our bodies are able to determine favorable times for moving vs. being still.

These studies suggest that a healthy body, accustomed to regular movement, will automatically prompt this person to rest after physical activity, and engage in movement after a period of being still. Therefore, when we engage in regular physical activity, we may be improving our body’s’ ability to calculate more appropriate responses.

3 Convenient Ways To Fit Exercise Into a Busy Lifestyle

Walking

This is still the most popular form of exercise. Walking in your neighborhood or a nearby park are always the most convenient outdoor options. If time allows, you can start a habit of using staircases instead of elevators or parking a distance away from your destination. However, if your schedule doesn’t allow you to walk at suitable times or it’s too cold, etc… don’t rule out walking indoors! One common option is to purchase exercise equipment for use in the home. Still, you can try walking in place or do a some laps around the largest area of your home.

Dancing

If you like music and dancing is your thing, then put on your favorite song (with or without headphones) and just move! Dancing also doesn’t require a specific place or time of the day. Yet a good time for this exercise is immediately after you arrive home from work—as it’s a great way to replenish your mood and spirit after a really long or challenging day.

If you love to dance and have fun while you exercise, then put on our radio station, especially during our gospel segment. You are sure to have a good workout.

Streaming Videos or DVDs

Using exercise apps or streaming videos are other convenient options. In fact, there are many streaming videos and DVDs available on Amazon. If you are signed up for Prime, many are accessible for free. You can sit and watch a few of them before-hand and select the one you connect with the most. You can’t go wrong with a basic cardio routine.

Finally, like any exercise, the above options may require a little discipline to get started. However, it is all about becoming more and more motivated to incorporate it into your regular routine and lifestyle in a way that pleases God.

Always check with your doctor before making any major changes to your normal physical activities.