The nice thing about the truth is that it’s true whether you believe it or not. The never-changing truth about getting – and staying – in shape? It all comes down to two things: eating right and exercising.
Finding the time to exercise is a challenge. Working out often slips off the list of priorities.
“Too many people think exercise has to be a structured thing,” said
Elaine Campbell, DO, of
Mecklenburg Medical Group-NorthCross, part of
Carolinas HealthCare System. “Try to work small bursts of activity into your day in ways that are easy and time-efficient for YOU. Moving just a little more each day gives you energy, which leads to results, which leads to wanting to do more. Before you know it, you’ve got a regimen.”
Nudge fitness back onto the list by putting a slight twist on things you are already doing.
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Skip the elevator – Taking the stairs is a simple way to ensure you get your blood pumping before the day starts. You’ll be pleasantly surprised what that can do for your mood … and your muscles.
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Walk past the vending machine – It’s easy to feel sluggish by mid-afternoon. Take a break, but instead of walking to the vending machine, walk past it and head outside. Take a couple of laps around the building. The fresh air will provide more of a lift than sugar and caffeine.
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Short and sweet – A quick trip to the gym is better than no trip at all. Interval training — bursts of intensity followed by a brief recovery period —burns more calories because the body has less time to recover between activities.
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Go social – Instead of meeting friends for a meal or a cocktail, try walking, hiking, biking or taking a salsa class together.
For healthy eating tips and recipe ideas, follow our
Healthy Eating Board on Pinterest.
Carolinas HealthCare System is committed to making it easy to keep you and your family healthy. To learn more about how we make health easy for you, visit
CarolinasHealthCare/CareMadeEasy.
