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You just can't argue the virtues of fitness.
It comes as no surprise that a healthy workforce contributes to a healthy workplace and community. And what better time than now, as we head in to the dog days of summer, to remind ourselves of what we can do, and not what we don't do, to improve our physical, mental and emotional health.
Everybody knows it's important to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The benefits of getting our heart rates moving include clarity of mind and increased production of endorphins (that stuff in our brains that helps make us happy and has been reported to provide pain relief similar to that of morphine ... or chocolate!) Staying active also gives us more energy to do the things we want to do as well as the things we have to do, like going to work every day.
Although many people are inclined to go big or go home when considering a workout regime, that approach often doesn't end in success. Our natural instinct, as upcoming beach days are looming, is to get off that couch and dive right into the exercise program we used to do when we were a little more used to exercising. And while this approach can be fun for a while, we will often sacrifice our workout time for other priorities just as quickly as we started to get moving.
Vic Keller, a personal trainer and owner of Vic Fitness in Winnipeg, says “long-lasting, total body health is easier to achieve if people have the right information and are committed to a workout that matches both their personal goals and their lifestyles. Consulting a qualified fitness instructor teaches the right heart rate for the individual and, by working together, you can enter into a cardio, strength training and nutrition plan that will improve your chances for success.”
The benefits of a good training program are measured not only in reduced stress and improved productivity in the workplace, it also shows in your overall health. A consistent training program improves fitness levels, increases bone density, reduces body fat and is one of the most powerful antidepressants out there.
"When training properly all organs perform better (don't forget your brain is an organ) and the brain will eventually increase production of endorphins during the workout and for hours after," says Keller.
Getting started is a good first step to a healthier lifestyle at home and at work. Be careful out there, but get going and stay going for a healthier you.
You're worth it and the results will be well worth the work!
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