The bad news? Almost one in three deaths in the US annually is caused by the heart disease and stroke, according to the CDC.
The good news? A majority of those strokes and cases of heart disease are preventable.
No matter your shape, age, or size, you can take steps to reduce your chances with the adoption of healthy habits. They key to getting started is simple: something is better than nothing, and something you will do regularly is best of all.
In this blog post, we'll cover fitness tips to give you some actionable steps that you can take to lower your chances of heart disease, whether you get occasional exercise or if you've been inactive for years.
Find what moves you - literally
Dread the idea of working out or think you just don't have the time to fit it into your life? You aren't alone. A fitness routine doesn't have to take hours of your day or leave you with aching muscles and soaked in sweat to improve your health.
Spend long hours on the job? Read the American Heart Association's advice on getting in a workout at work.
As you get started with adopting a new, more active lifestyle, try to start small. Even as little as 30 minutes a day, five times a week, will make a difference.
Here are some additional ways to make exercise an enjoyable part of your day:
- Reward yourself. Watch episodes of your favorite TV show only while walking on a treadmill, or listen to podcasts you love the most when you go on walks.
- Everything is better with a good friend. Find a workout buddy to keep you accountable and motivated to stick with your new healthy exercise habit.
- Combine your routine with a favorite hobby. Love dogs? Volunteer at a shelter to walk puppies. Enjoy taking pictures? Take your camera with you on hikes to capture the scenes of life around you. Is your nickname Mr. Hole-in-One? Get a little exercise in next time you hit the green by skipping the golf cart and walking hole to hole.
Get out and about with your workout
If you live near Logansport, you don't have to go far to find some scenic outdoor places where you can get in some exercise.
Take a walk on the River Bluff Trail. The 1.3 mile asphalt pathway is accessible to all and open year-round. Better still, you aren't limited to walking. Use the popular path for jogging, bicycling, and inline skating. For even more variety, plan a brisk stroll through Hervey Preserve if Huston Park.
If you're thinking of going outside for a jog during colder months, prepare to make sure you stay safe and warm.
At any age, getting more physically active is one of the healthiest decisions you can make. But it's important to adopt a new fitness routine safely.
Make an appointment to chat with your doctor before getting started, especially if you have a preexisting condition.
