HEALTHY LIFESTYLE KEY TO CANCER PREVENTION
IT IS so important to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle, not only to maintain an ideal weight but to take the pressure off your most vital body parts, including your heart, lungs and cranium. To just exist when you get old is not an option; nor is to have someone take care of you. You need to maintain a good quality of life as you get older, and the best way to achieve that goal is through exercise and keeping fit. The emphasis is on keeping, maintaining, and being consistent. That is the key to healthy success! The benefits of exercise also extend far beyond weight management. Regular exercise can help reduce your risk for several illnesses and diseases, including cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes.
BENEFITS OF EXERCISE
There are so many reasons why exercise and keeping fit play a vital role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, some of which may surprise you and hopefully inspire you to make a change. Here are just a few benefits:
REDUCE STRESS
One of the most common mental benefits of exercise is stress relief. Exercise increases the concentration levels of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress. So go ahead and get sweaty – working out can reduce stress and boost the body’s ability to deal with existing mental tension.
HERE ARE some tips to get you started on an exercise programme!
YOU FIRST HAVE TO GET YOUR MIND IN A HEALTHY PLACE
You have to realise that eating right and exercising regularly are now going to be a part of you and your regular routine. Just like when you get up and take a shower or brush your teeth, exercise and eating right have to become second nature.
Just think if you went a day without taking a shower or brushing your teeth! You have to get yourself to that place with your new exercise regime.
GIVE YOUR BODY A CHECK-UP
Make sure you consult your physician so you know what your limitations are, and be sure to seek a fitness professional so that they can recommend and demonstrate safe and effective exercises.
SET YOUR GOALS
Know what it is that you want to achieve. If it is to lose weight, set short-term goals that are realistic and attainable. Believe and you will achieve.
FIND EXERCISES THAT YOU ENJOY
Do exercises that you like, that way you will stay consistent. If you like to dance, go dancing and work up a sweat. If you like swimming, put it in your schedule. Remember, not everyone has to go to a gym to see results.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Ensure that you are wearing proper, breathable exercise clothes and the right footwear. Ladies, a good sports bra is key; and gentleman, nothing too tight below the belt. Please feel free to visit a sports store where trained personnel will be more than happy to assist you.
EXERCISE WITH A FRIEND
Exercising together with a friend always makes it easier and more fun. You can set goals together and keep each other on track, not to mention a little friendly competition will always keep you motivated.
MODIFY, NOT ELIMINATE, EATING HABITS
I believe in modification and not deprivation. You can still eat all the foods you enjoy but in moderation. Eat smaller meals and eat more often. Use low-fat substitutes for snacks such as yogurt, eat lean meats and, of course, add fruits and vegetables to your diet.
BE CONSISTENT
This is not a one-time trial and then going back to old ways. You have to now have a mindset that this is going to be your new way of life and you are going to consistently exercise and eat right for the rest of your life.
REWARD YOURSELF WITH DAILY AFFIRMATIONS
Learn to motivate yourself. Love yourself for who you are. Look in the mirror every morning and say “I look good”, “I love me”, “I am going to exercise and eat right today for me”. Believe in yourself!
Once you have these foundational tools in place, you are now on your way to a healthier lifestyle and will be able to KEEP FIT AND STAY FIT.