Exercise & Optimal Health

Exercise is essential for optimal health and wellbeing. It improves circulation by increasing the flow of both blood and lymph throughout the body. It strengthens and improves the function of both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It helps you control your weight, reduces stress and improves your overall sense of well-being. You can adjust the amount and type of exercise to fit your physical abilities and preferences. It is best to start slow and gradually increase the length of time and intensity of your workout. Start out slow, with an exercise that is easy and you don’t mind doing. Regardless of your current physical condition, there’s an exercise plan for you. 

Think you don’t have time for exercise? Start by building movement into your day in small increments. Taking stairs rather than taking the elevator, park at the far end of the parking lot and walk to the store rather than driving up to the door when possible. Walking is a great exercise, especially when it is nice outside, but you can enjoy this activity when it’s not by going to a mall or using a treadmill when it is nasty outside.

It is also very important to stretch your muscles everyday. You need to stretch briefly before beginning your activity and then stretch again following your exercise. This helps to get your muscles warmed up before the activity and helps them to cool down after.

Finally, it is also important to do something to help build strength in the muscles. While walking and doing exercises like squats will help strengthen your lower body, you will need to add some other activities to strengthen your upper body. You don’t need special equipment to get started with a strengthening program. There is no need to purchase a set of light weights, a couple cans of soup can get you started.

The activities in life that give rise to good health are the things we do regularly. When you get regular chiropractic check-ups, eat a healthy diet on a consistent basis, stay well hydrated, and exercise everyday, you are created healthy habits for life. It is like investing in the best insurance against sickness and disease.

If you don’t know where to begin or need help designing an exercise plan for your particular needs, schedule an appointment with Dr. Archer and she will help you get started on your path to optimal health.