Fitness & Exercise Pillar
Nicky Snazell offers her views on the Fitness & Exercise Pillar of the Optimum Health Parthenon in this article originally published in Staffordshire Life.
I believe fitness and wellness go hand-in-hand. When our bodies are fit anchors a sound mind. The pleasure from moving effortlessly envelopes the mind in bliss. This leaves our mind free to concentrate on the pleasures of life. Fitness helps us to avoid chronic pain and promotes well being.
So how can you achieve a fit body with a busy lifestyle?
You need to understand how much movement your body craves and when to rest if fatigue hits.
5 Top Tips for Everyday Fitness
- If you drive a car for over half an hour, park away from your destination and walk briskly, swinging your arms. This will ease the pressure on your spinal discs, loosen stiffened joints and improve blood flow.
- Swap your chair for a fit ball if you work at a desk. The small movements keep your mind focused and your spine healthy.
- At least ten times a day, take three deep breaths. This improves blood flow and sends signals to the brain to reduce stress chemistry.
- You boost your core postural muscles by adding a pilates move of gently pulling in the stomach button to the spine or slowing outbreathes.
- Follow a weekly plan of activity, like mine, listed below. If you wish to achieve a steady progression of fitness or get fit for a holiday or sports activity with the guidance of a fitness instructor, ask … at the clinic.
Example of My Summer 7-Day Programme – suitable for those working full-time
| Sat/Sun | Power walk or cycle outside for at least half an hour to two hours if not exercising at a gym. |
| Monday/Wed/Fri | Resistive exercises in gym with weights for 45 mins. Fast swim for 30 mins. |
| Tues/Thur | Fit ball, stretches and core work-out for 30 mins at home. |
For more tips