Getting Regular Exercise

Most of us are aware that getting regular exercise followed by proper stretching are important factors in maintaining good health. Some of us are lucky enough to be able to join a gym, but that isn't always possible or practical for everyone. Thankfully, getting enough exercise can be as simple as taking a few short walks that add up to 30 minutes a day, followed by gentle stretching.

The benefits of adding daily exercise to your routine make it worthwhile: better sleep, decreased appetite, a sharper mind, an uplifted mood and over time, fewer aches and pains, better digestion, relief from irregularity, better circulation, and lower blood pressure.

For those who work long hours sitting at a desk, it's no surprise that physical therapists recommend that you take brief breaks to walk and stretch every hour. This prevents back pain, sciatica and other ailments that result from sitting for extended periods without a break.

Other benefits of regular exercise are: helping the lungs bring more oxygen to all parts of the body, and helping the lymphatic system work more efficiently maintaining tissue fluid balance, defending the body against disease, and transporting more fats into the bloodstream where they are burned for energy.