Harvard Doctors Find New Strategies For Exercising Without Running – But They Require Motivation

Running No Longer Holds The Distinction Of Being The Best Exercise For Everyone.

Do you believe running is the only form of exercise that can keep your body fit, including your digestive system? Doctors from Harvard have now identified alternatives which they’ve confirmed are better for the body. Dr I Min Lee, a professor from Harvard, has mentioned that running can be a challenge on the joints and the digestive system. She has recommended a new set of activities which she says are better at increasing metabolism and burning energy. She has also pointed out that exercising 20 minutes a day can reduce the risk of an early demise.

We are all aware that we need to get at least 75 minutes of exercise every week. Many of us pound the pavement hoping it will make a real difference to our health. Dr. Lee, who is with the Harvard Medical School as a professor of medicine, does not believe we are on the right path and has recommended alternative activities we should be doing.

The activities suggested can provide benefits such as weight loss, muscle building, bone strengthening, and even the boosting of heart and brain health without the need to collapse, as is usually the case with runners. However, the recommendations made by Dr. Lee will require individuals to become motivated, because they can make things uncomfortable for some people, leaving them in a quandary whether the recommendations should be followed or not. Let’s take a look at the suggestions made by Dr. Lee.

Swimming Is the Perfect Exercise, States Dr. Lee

Swimming engages every muscle in the body and can be considered the perfect exercise, according to Dr. Lee. She has recommended swimming for 30 to 45 minutes every day to achieve the objective of getting an aerobic workout, which can increase heart rate and improve heart health. Swimming also provides protection for the brain from declines related to age.

Swimming is considered a low-impact exercise because the support of the water makes it easier for the joints. As swimming does not require the joints to bear weight, it is particularly good for individuals who are suffering from arthritis. Chronic illnesses can be reduced with regular swimming, like heart conditions, strokes, and type II diabetes according to the NHS. It also has the potential to boost mood. However, people will need to be motivated to splash into cold water when the weather may not be perfect for this activity.

Tai Chi Can Be Used By Everyone

Tai Chi May Be An Ancient Method, But It Is Equally Effective For Everyone Even To This Day.

People who do not want to go running or swimming can use a form of martial arts that was developed in China during the 13th century, because it can be used by all people regardless of their age and fitness levels. Tai chi employs a combination of deep breathing and relaxation with movements that are flowing. It is particularly great for the elderly who may have difficulties balancing themselves as they get older. Research conducted has provided evidence that people over the age of 65 can reduce stress, increase muscle strength in their legs, and improve posture, general mobility, and balance. It is also helpful in reducing the risk of falls among the elderly by improving mobility in the ankles, hips, and knees, which is quite common among people who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Motivation to begin learning tai chi will again be a requirement among people who may never have tried this form of exercise earlier.

Walking

Walking For 20 Minutes Every Day Can Help Even Unfit People.

Do you think the activity of walking is insignificant? You’d be surprised to learn that walking regularly can be wonderful for the body. Scientific evidence is available to prove that a brisk walk of 20 minutes every day can add a few years to the life of the individual. A study conducted by the Cambridge University on 334,000 people provided evidence that even a modest amount of activity can expand the duration of life. It’s even more surprising to learn that the people who were the least fit benefited the most.

Another study conducted recently has revealed that adults who were walking for 30 minutes every day and four times a week displayed improved connections within the region of the brain that was linked to loss of memory. It has also proven beneficial for combatting depression. The researchers from Harvard have recommended 10 to 15 minutes of walking for people who are not exercising and building up the intensity of the exercise to about 30 to 60 minutes.

As we can see from Dr. Lee’s recommendations, apart from the activity of brisk walking, the exercises suggested have the potential to make your life better without putting any stress on your joints or even affecting your digestive system. You just need to be motivated to continue with these exercises if you can’t stand the thought of running.