We have talked in previous blogs about how exercise improves your sleep. Regular exercise can even help alleviate some of the major symptoms of sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Don’t rush out and get a gym membership though, because there are tons of other ways to get your 15-60 minutes of daily exercise in without setting foot in a gym! Now sure, hitting the gym is definitely not a bad idea, but let’s discuss other ways to get that physical activity in!
Let’s start by what exercise really is. Exercise is any physical activity that exerts yourself at a higher intensity than normal, and increases the heart rate beyond resting levels. Depending on your age, current health conditions and physical level, is going to determine what is considered exercise. Someone who is very active and physically fit may not get taxed by push mowing the grass. On the other hand, it may increase someone else’s heart rate and physical activity in one who is less active, which would be considered exercise for them.
Here are some ways to exercise. Some are the go-to ways to exercise and some are fun, unique activities we don’t usually think about.
- Walking your dog
- Running
- Biking
- Attending a class at the gym
- Lifting weights
- Dancing (zumba, line dancing)
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Push mowing the yard
- Climbing steps/stairs
- Jumping on the trampoline
- Jumping rope
- Cleaning your house
- Joining a sports team
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Skating
- Skiing
- Kayaking
Exercise, like we have said before, has so many benefits, especially increasing sleep quality! If you are new to exercising, definitely try one of the more fun ways listed above! It doesn’t have to be boring! It can be so easily incorporated into your daily routine without ever leaving your home or entering the doors of a gym.
If you have existing health conditions, always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine or increasing your physical activity.