Living an active lifestyle can mean different things to different people, and individuals can be active in countless ways. One thing is for certain, though, an active lifestyle can help you lead a healthier life—however you choose to get that activity in. Whether you’re adding more activity to your workout routine or getting more active in general, read on to learn more about the benefits and how to become more active.
What is an Active Lifestyle?
In a nutshell, an active lifestyle means that you take the opportunity to be active more so than being sedentary. Broadly speaking, being active can mean a lot of different things to different people, from taking the stairs instead of the elevator to working out every day—but those activities alone don’t constitute an active lifestyle. It’s consistently choosing to be active and making physical activity a life decision as opposed to limiting oneself to 30 minutes a day, a few times per week. That’s not to say that spending hours in the gym every day is recommended, either; there are many ways to become more active in your daily routine.
While any physical activity can be good for your body, living an active lifestyle overall can have great health benefits and can help you reach your fitness goals.
What are the Benefits of an Active Lifestyle?
Staying active can do a lot for your physical and mental health. Through physical activity, you can reduce your risk of health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, stroke, and even some cancers, as well as improve your cognitive function and emotional well-being. When you’re leading an active lifestyle, you’re also giving your heart a workout, strengthening your other muscles throughout your body, and better positioning yourself to maintain a healthy weight.
Evidence has shown that physical activity has an immediate impact on reducing anxiety and blood pressure, improving sleep quality, and improving sensitivity to insulin, which lowers the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Longer term, when adults consistently lead an active lifestyle, it helps prevent eight different types of cancer, including bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, stomach, and lung, as well as improves bone health, physical function, and overall quality of life.
How to Have a More Active Lifestyle
The first step to having a more active lifestyle is finding an activity that you enjoy. Don’t love running multiple miles per day? Try a dance fitness or boot camp class. Does the elliptical get boring after a few minutes? Watch a movie while you sweat in the MOVEōS Cinema. Can’t get into weightlifting? Bring a friend to the gym or meet a new workout buddy at EōS. However you can get motivated to be more active, it’s worth it!
If it’s been months (or years) since you’ve hit the gym with any regularity, or if you’ve never checked out what makes EōS Fitness unique, perhaps it’s time to give the gym another try. With huge facilities and an array of workout equipment and fun, energetic group fitness classes to choose from, you just may find that spending time in the gym working on your fitness goals is possible, and possibly even enjoyable! With its variety of amenities and the “high value, low price®” mantra, EōS Fitness will have you rethinking your perception of going to the gym.
You can still enjoy an active lifestyle without spending every day on a strict gym regimen. To complete your 150 to 300 minutes per week of recommended moderate-intensity activity, split that time into more manageable time slots, like 30 minutes per day, five days per week, at a minimum. Activities could include brisk walking or fast dancing (Zumba®, anyone?), lifting weights, resistance band training, bodyweight exercises, hiking in the park, riding a bike, or swimming. Splitting your time between outdoor activities, the gym, and other things you can work into your daily routine helps vary your physical activity, eliminate potential boredom, and keep you motivated.
If you’re currently accustomed to a less active lifestyle or don’t have a regular workout routine in place, you can start slow and make small changes in your daily life to start becoming more active. Read through the following tips to get started, and don’t be afraid to try a new activity to gauge your interest. You just might find a new hobby that allows you to lead a more active lifestyle.
- Instead of movie night, plan a day at the park that involves walking trails, hiking paths, or an active game like frisbee, flag football, or soccer.
- Park your car farther away from your destination to get a few more steps in throughout your day.
- Research and try out an adult sports league or running/walking club in your local area.
- Plan your lunch menu in advance, or meal-prep for the week, to allow yourself time for a 30-minute lunch break workout a few days per week.
- If you sit in front of a computer or at a desk for work throughout the day, set an “activity timer” as a reminder to get up and move around periodically. You could also schedule time on your calendar for activity, such as a walk around the block or playing catch with the dog.
- Incorporate movement into everyday activities like brushing your teeth or cooking—do squats or lunges while tooth brushing or do bicep curls or dance moves while gathering ingredients for your dinner recipe.
- Once per week (to start off), pick one new exercise class to try. Whether it’s an in-person group fitness class at EōS or an on-demand workout, trying something new will add variation in your routine and work new muscles, or help you simply get started being more active.
- Need to take the elevator a couple floors? Opt for taking the stairs whenever possible.
EōS Fitness can help you start living a more active lifestyle with all the amenities available. Try it out with a Complimentary 7-Day Pass.
