How a Couch Potato Can Have a Healthy Heart

Do you hate exercising? Don’t be embarrassed. There are a lot of us that feel that way. Exercising is hard work, takes time, makes you sweaty and can cause soreness when you start.

However, the facts are clear. Exercising is crucial to staying healthy and living a long life. So, think of it this way, a little exercise each week can give you several more years of lounging on the couch.

Solutions, not excuses

Let me guess, you are too busy to exercise? Most studies recommend 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. That is only 2 ½ hours out of a 168-hour week. If a few hours a week can add years to your life, surely you can find the time.

Maybe you would rather read or watch TV? Try listening to audiobooks or watching TV while exercising on a treadmill. Just be sure to pay attention to your surroundings. The last thing you want is to get hurt or do something embarrassing that somebody might capture on video and post online.

Perhaps you don’t like going to the gym and don’t want to buy expensive equipment? The good news is you don’t have to. You can achieve moderate-intensity exercise without working out your credit card. A brisk walk, swimming and push mowing grass are examples of moderate-intensity exercise. You can also mix in strength training by doing pushups, pullups and lunges. As you progress, you can purchase inexpensive resistance bands that are small enough to store in a drawer.

Bottom line

Exercising is great for your health. You will feel better and have more energy to stay up and finish binging season seven of your favorite show.

Remember, any exercise is better than none. Mahmoud Farhoud, M.D. who specializes in invasive cardiology at Genesis HealthCare System says, “Start slow and gradually increase. Exercising in small increments throughout the day and week. You should also always consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.”