Haven't been to the gym lately? Don't worry... our wellness expert Peggy Hall explains why you should never exercise again -- and what to do instead!
"As a personal trainer and a certified yoga instructor, I shock a lot of people when I tell them they don't need to exercise if they don't want to," Peggy says. "That's right -- if you dread the thought of going to the gym or getting on the treadmill, then by all means -- don't!"
Peggy explains that rather than forcing yourself to exercise, focus on having fun instead!
Research shows that fun, every day activities are just as good for you as structured exercise. That means there's no need to force yourself through that spinning class or feel guilty of you don't go on that two-mile run.
According to Peggy, such activities have these "good for you" benefits:
- Lowering levels of the hormone cortisol (which when elevated, stores fat around the tummy) - Lowering blood pressure - Lowering stress levels, which means you'll enjoy better sleep and better overall health
Peggy recommends that you think about which physical activities you enjoy doing: bowling, gardening, swimming, playing with pets/kids or walking at the shopping mall, for example.
Then, spend 20 or 30 minutes on a daily basis enjoying those fun, every day activities without worrying about how many calories you're burning!
When you understand that every day activities can keep you strong and slender, your mindset can shift for the better. Consider this surprising study that found when hotel maids were told that their housekeeping counted as exercise, they actually lost more weight and gained muscle compared to other housekeepers who were told their activity at work didn't count as exercise! Here's a link to the study.
Bottom line: Beneficial exercise doesn't require workout clothes and tennis shoes. You can remove the word "exercise" from your vocabulary and replace it with the words "have fun" instead!
"There's no need to spend money on a gym membership or personal trainer," Peggy says. "A romp in the park with your kids or dog can be just as good for you -- and a lot more fun!"
Approximately 80 percent of Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, and many people turn to medication or surgery for relief. You already know that too much activity, as well as
Approximately 80 percent of Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, and many people turn to medication or surgery for relief. But Peggy Hall says the answer can be found on your own two feet!
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He used to run a bakery in Douglas, Georgia; but he turned over the mixers and ovens and pie pans to his children so he could pursue his real dream: Inventing.
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