Looking better, living longer, Part 3: Exercise.

By Julie Jordan
Published August 24, 2018

Part 1: Never smoke; don't drink too much
Part 2: Keep a healthy BMI and diet

The last lifestyle factor that extends life up to 10 years, according to the study reported by CNN, when done in combination with never smoking, maintaining a healthy body mass index, not drinking too much alcohol and eating a healthy diet, is exercising.

Although it is often difficult to maintain, Worksite Wellness Manager Carmen Daniel, MPH, shares her ideas for making it enjoyable and sustainable for life.

“Exercise truly is medicine,” said Daniel. “Just as public health was able to eliminate the death burden from communicable diseases through population vaccination, we can curb the death burden of chronic conditions through an increase in healthy behaviors—most easily through physical activity.”

Why is exercise so beneficial to the body?  

“Physical activity has a positive impact on each of our body’s systems: cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, excretory, immune, integumentary, muscular, nervous, respiratory and skeletal,” said Daniel. “Without physical activity we fail to protect our body’s systems from the aging process, which varies between individuals. The best way to incorporate physical activity into your life is through being deliberate, but it shouldn’t be a chore.”

Daniel advises:

  • Do the things you did as a child.

Oftentimes as children we would play outdoors, join a sports team, or go for a walk or run with our dog or friends. We would never tell our parent’s we’re headed out to do some physical activity. Try that now as an adult. Change your mindset and see if this change’s your attitude toward physical activity. Change the concept from something you must do to something that’s a part of your everyday life.

  • Make it fun.

If you’re going to do something, make it enjoyable. Take away the chore. If you don’t enjoy running, don’t run. If you’d prefer to ride your bike, go for that instead. There is no perfect formula to exercise. Make it work for you.

  • You buy it, you try it.

Paying for services for physical activity works for those that more conscious about their spending. You buy it, you try it, and you use it. Whether it’s personal training or joining a local fitness center or group exercise studio, the likelihood that you will increase your physical activity after making a substantial purchase is high. With that, the price tag may be a bit higher, but your health is your wealth. We invest in the things we find value in. 

  • Track it.

Like the “you buy it, you try it” mentality, tracking your physical activity is a common trend across the world. Physical activity trackers can act as your mobile accountability partner. With nudges and prompts to move, and the ability to set exercise and step goals, you’re able to monitor your progress, and see changes in your activity over time. If you’re up for challenges, you can also challenge your friends based on exercise goals. Everyone loves a little friendly competition.

Note: Before engaging in any type of physical activity, it’s always important to be cleared from your primary care physician.