Fitness is like learning a skill. If you keep at it, you’ll continue to improve. And if you take a break (sometimes a long break), you’ll see your skills falter when you try to pick it back up again.
So, while going for a run today won’t ensure longevity, creating a regular fitness routine that involves adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and regular exercise can bolster a healthy lifestyle that promotes lifelong wellness.
Here’s how you can do it.
Avoid drugs and alcohol
You’ve seen the ads. Regular drug and alcohol use can cause significant health problems down the road, so if you want to prioritize your wellbeing, saying no to a cigarette or a drink is a good place to start.
If you could do only one for your body, it should be keeping toxins out of it in the first place. Avoiding drugs and alcohol is a deciding you’ll “stop later” is a much harder commitment than you might think.
Try not to drink more than three to four standard drinks in a single day and cut down on your consumption of drugs and alcohol as best you can.
Add nutrition to your diet
When people think of the word “diet,” most will automatically consider what you can’t eat. But it’s more important that you boost your diet with nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You should also eat a healthy amount of lean meats such as fish, poultry, lamb, and beef. Low-fat dairy products and eggs are also good for a healthy diet.
As you work in more healthy foods, junk foods, and processed foods that include excess amounts of sugar, fat, and sodium will naturally be pushed out of your regular diet. And, eating less fast food can help you save money!
A common misconception among the general public is that cutting out carbs will help you lose weight—carbs are your brain’s preferred source of energy. Instead of saying goodbye to foods you think are unhealthy, start saying hello to foods you love and know are good for you.
Exercise regularly
If you want to be physically fit for your whole life, you can’t spend most of your time sitting—whether it be at a desk or on the couch. Regular movement and activity are essential for a healthy lifestyle.
Lots of people struggle to commit to a regular exercise routine, and if you’re one of them, that’s okay. First, you need to find something you enjoy doing. Your attitude towards the activity will play a large part in whether you decide to stick with it. You can consider walking, jogging, hiking, swimming, biking, or doing yoga.
If you can, join a local class or club with community members who can support you on your fitness journey. Having friends to hold you accountable can help you stay on track.
Consider weight training
As humans come into old age, their most common problems involve weakness. What’s the best way to combat these complaints? Strength.
Weight training utilizes your own body weight or external weights to help you build strength in your muscles and support a healthy body. You’ll notice improved balance, a higher metabolism, and stronger joints.
5 Benefits to Regular Exercise
If you’re still not sure if you can commit to a lifetime of physical fitness, consider these 5 benefits of consistent activity.
- better muscle and bone health
- weight management
- boosted mood
- stress management
- reduces health risks in old age
- improved heart health
