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Best Exercises for Non-Athletes
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Why Activity Matters
Regular physical activity boosts your mood and promotes better health, weight management and better sleep. Exercising regularly increases your energy level, may improve your sex life and help you live longer. So, for all of you non-athletes, here are some great activities to keep you physically and mentally fit. Photo: Getty Images
Walking
A daily brisk walk, walking instead of using the car, or walking to work or school, if possible, are great ways to burn extra calories. Engaging in regular physical activity promotes cardiovascular health, lowers bad cholesterol levels and helps prevent osteoporosis. You do not need to devote a big chunk of your day to a workout, just make a few lifestyle changes. Take the stairs instead of using the elevator, take a walk during your lunch break or start a new ritual- an after-dinner stroll with your partner. Photo: Getty Images
Dancing
Exercising should be fun. Take a dance class or simply waltz with your loved one around the living room floor. The staff of the Mayo Clinic point out that regular physical activity can enhance sexual arousal in women and decrease the changes of erectile dysfunction in men as they age. Photo: Getty Images
Swimming
You need not be a champion swimmer to reap the health benefits of this activity. Swimming is a good choice for everyone, even someone with physical limitations or who may find other forms of exercise too painful. It is a whole body, low-impact workout ideal for people suffering from arthritis and weight limitations. Photo: Getty Images
Bowling
Regular physical activity helps you lower blood pressure, quit smoking and reduces your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. By joining a bowling league or simply bowling a game or two with family and friends, you can get physically and socially active. Photo: Getty Images
Tai Chi
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese art of using flowing movement that keeps your body in constant but gentle motion. It is a low impact form of exercise suitable for older individuals who may not otherwise exercise. As with any exercise program, consult your physician first. Photo: Getty Images
Golf
Golf can be both a leisure activity and a heart healthy form of regular exercise, But, only if you walk the course. Walking the average course for a round of golf can equal as much as four miles. If you do this three to five times a week and carry or your own clubs, you will get an optimum physical workout. Stretching at least three times a week can reduce the risk of strains, sprains and tendonitis in infrequent and older players. Photo: Getty Images
Gardening
Being physically inactive increases your risk for developing coronary artery disease. People who begin a regular exercise program and make lifestyle changes following a heart attack have a better survival rate. Mowing the lawn, raking leaves and tilling a plot of soil for a garden are a few ways to add physical activity to your lifestyle. While gardening, you strengthen your upper and lower body muscles. If you have been inactive, do stretching exercise before tackling yard work. Remember to bend at the knees when lifting and squat or kneel when weeding to put less strain on your back. Photo: Getty Images
Housecleaning
The American Heart Association recommends that an adult should regularly exercise for 30 minutes or longer on all or most days. Daily housecleaning tasks, such as making the bed or dusting and vacuuming, are examples of physical activity that you may already be a part of your daily routine. Sources: MayoClinic.com: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity American Heart Association: Physical Activity Harvard Health Publications: Golfing can be good for you if done correctly Article by Maryann Gromisch Photo: Getty Images
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