Anyone who knows me knows I’m anti-drug. I don’t take them and neither does my family. It’s a personal choice and one I made years ago after going through some horrible health issues due to pharmaceuticals. So to hear me touting a drug probably has some of you scratching your heads. Not to worry. I haven’t lost my mind and gone over to the dark side.
I’m talking EXERCISE! It is my favorite alternative “drug” because it is easy, it increases the good hormones in our bodies, and it helps the body to stay strong and that includes the immune system.
Now when I refer to using exercise as a drug, I’m talking abut using something that is a daily thing in greater amounts to fight off some malady or condition. Like Vitamin C. I take that every day, but during cold and flu season, I increase my levels to 5000 – 8000 mg per day. So exercise as a drug will be different than the regular levels we see.
When using exercise as a drug, it is important to set a goal of 30 to 60 minutes per day, every day. Obviously, depending on your current condition, you may need to work slowly up to this level. My experience is that weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, running, Nordic Track and Health Rider are better than cycling and swimming. If you have access to a health club, my favorite piece of equipment there is the elliptical machine.
One of the largest obstacles faced by people who haven't exercised in some time is how to get started. Just the thought of starting an exercise program can be intimidating. Whenever patients ask me what kind of activity is best, my answer is always the same: Walking is a wonderful way to get started. It is very low impact, so it is easy on the joints.
In fact, most people find it is simple and enjoyable to fit a walk into their day. It is also one of the most cost effective ways to get exercise, as it does not require much training and the only equipment needed is a good pair of walking shoes. You can walk just about anywhere, and you can do it anytime.
So what makes walking a workout? This depends on your initial fitness level. If you are starting out in poor shape, slow-paced walking will produce benefits, but if you are starting out in better condition, you will need to walk faster and/or farther to see any results.
Regardless of your starting level, the more vigorous your walking pace, the more dramatic the conditioning effects will be. When walking for exercise you should walk at a steady pace that is fast enough to cause your heart rate to rise.
Since spring is just around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to start your exercise regimen. Please start slowly. It may be just walking to the mailbox. (Of course, my mailbox is 1 mile from my home here on the river, so that little jaunt is 2 miles!) But I digress. Of course you can park far away at the grocery store or restaurant. Plus, you get the extra benefit of being out in the sunshine. But keep track and try to up your distance and intensity every week. There are lots of apps for your phone that are free that will help you keep track of distance, speed etc.
For those who have the money and the discipline to go to the gym every week, do that! There are lots of programs available that don’t require a personal trainer.
Stay healthy, my friends. Get outside in that sunshine. That, even in the winter, is a blessing of living here in the UP.
Let’s Get Better!
Karen
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