Health Blog: August – Exercise and Fitness
August – Exercise & Fitness
3 EASY WAYS TO GET ACTIVE NOW
Exercise isn’t just good for your body – it’s also good for your mental health. Physical activity helps you: feel good about yourself and your body, work out negative feelings, lift your mood, and enjoy social connections with other active people.
You don’t need to join a gym to get the benefits of exercise. Try these simple changes. They’ll get you active right away!
1. Start walking. If you have a pair of shoes, you can start walking today. Pick a time for your walk, such as after dinner, and stick to it every day. Start at a pace where you feel comfortable, and work your way up to brisker and longer walks. Find a walking buddy to keep you motivated.
2. Change your routine. By making a few simple changes, you can sneak some exercise into your daily routine. Park a bit farther from the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and walk to a colleague’s desk instead of sending an email. Consider walking or biking to work. If these are viable options, take the long way home some days for an extra workout.
3. Take up dancing. Start by moving to some of your favourite tunes in the privacy of your own home. Once you feel more comfortable, try branching out: take a dance class or join a dancing group that meets regularly. This can also be a great way to meet new people.
If you have any medical conditions, check with your doctor first before starting an exercise program.
Ask Your Pharmacist
Q: What is a good medication to take for soreness after a workout?
A: You may experience some muscle or joint pain, particularly when you start exercising regularly. For occasional use, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen is a good choice. If you find you need to take medication frequently, talk to your doctor about the potential cause(s) of any pain you are experiencing.
As always, if you are on any medication or have a chronic condition, check with your Live Well Pharmacist before taking new medication.
Do you have a question? Don’t hesitate to ask your Live Well Pharmacist.
Health Tip
When you’re overstressed, do you tend to give up the things that you normally enjoy? Don’t give up fun! Having fun is good for you – it gives you more energy than it takes away. Schedule some time to do an activity you enjoy. Better yet, get a friend or two to join you!
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