Five effective physical hobbies that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Life seems to be getting more and more hectic by the day. The basic demands of family and work alone seem to exhaust even the most energetic individuals. As a result, people in both urban and rural settings find it increasingly difficult to pursue hobbies that can help them lead more active lifestyles. Giving up seems so easy to do…
On the other hand, perhaps we should first re-evaluate the way we use our waking hours before opting out of better health and wellness. It’s often the case that we don’t move around as much as we used to. For better or worse, television, the Internet and now mobile computing seem to offer everything we need at the touch of a button.
Unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle is not a healthy lifestyle and increases your risk of numerous diseases including heart disease, obesity and diabetes. You don’t need to become an Olympic athlete, but incorporating thirty minutes of physical activity to your schedule every day will do wonders for your body and make you feel great.
If you currently enjoy video games, cooking and other non-physical hobbies, don’t give them up on this account! However, if you have not done so already, consider adding a physical hobby to your routine. Here are five suggestions to help you embrace healthy, active living:
1. Walking
Even the least active people in a community can do themselves a lot of good by adding regular walks to their week. It can be as simple as leisurely strolls during lunchtime, speed walking in your neighbourhood, or more adventurous treks through national parks and mountains. Far from being a boring activity, walking can invigorate your body and spark some creativity when you need it most.
2. Bicycling
Bicycling is an accessible form of exercise embraced by people of all ages. What could be better than enjoying a lakeside ride against a gentle breeze on a lazy summer or autumn weekend? There are also “bottom line” reasons for investing in this hobby. Not only is bicycling a great cardiovascular and legs workout, it gives many individuals a viable urban commuting alternative to the automobile. Especially as fuel prices soar worldwide.
3. Swimming
It’s easy to see why so many folks consider swimming to be the ideal exercise. It can be an effective full body workout on its own as part of a super cardio-resistance combo. Plus, the buoyancy of water means that your muscles, tendons and joints do not get worn out by excessive movement as it would on grass, concrete, or other hard surfaces, making it suitable for everyone.
4. Organised sports
Even if you are no longer in your teens, why not exercise by reliving the thrill and camaraderie that comes with team sports. There is surely a football, rugby, or cricket league in your area – or even table tennis or squash. For many people, motivation to perform in a group is a key factor in staying active and healthy as an adult.
5. Group workouts
If you’re not the sports type but still seek the benefits of a group activity, why not visit your local fitness centre and sign up for a course? Aerobics, yoga and Pilates are popular choices, but lately a number of innovative workouts (e.g. dance, combat training, weightlifting, bootcamps etc.) have hit the scene. Before making a commitment though, make sure that the workout is at your skill and current fitness level and that the class size permits proper interaction with the instructor.
Hobbies are meant to be fun activities that help take away the drudgery of routine living. Physical exercise is no exception. The science is beyond dispute: regular movement throughout the day is essential for preventing disease and enjoying life to the fullest. Choose an activity that embodies your values and desires and just go for it!
Remember: Consult with us first if you have any health conditions or concerns. We can help you safely take up a new physical hobby so you can enjoy it well into the future. Call us on +(353)-87-295-9662
Quick tip
Set yourself a target and to give yourself focus and purpose and you will be more likely to factor exercise into your week.
Inspiration
Exercise alone provides psychological and physical benefits. However, if you also adopt a strategy that engages your mind while you exercise, you can get a whole host of psychological benefits fairly quickly.
~ James Rippe, MD