There are many benefits to staying active.
You may have seen the ‘Benefits of Walking’ posters around the office, but have you taken a minute to read some of the facts? The benefits of doing simple exercise such as walking can have huge benefits to your health. And with the longest day coming up on June 21st (which is also International Day of Yoga if you fancy a bit of cat cow to stretch out after a day in the office) we have more daylight hours at this time of the year to enjoy the great outdoors before and after work!
Movements that get your heart rate up and increases blood circulation throughout the body are called cardiovascular exercises. So when you take the stairs instead of the lift at work, you’re effectively performing a little cardio! The current recommended guidelines to maintain a healthy lifestyle are 150 minutes per week, or 30 minutes vigorous exercise five times a week…are you getting yours?
Benefits of getting your heart rate up:
- The feel good factor Performing cardio exercise releases 'feel good' hormones that will help ease symptoms of depression and fatigue as well as releasing hormones that decrease appetite. People who get regular exercise often have a much more positive outlook on life simply because they are getting the stress-relief benefits from these hormones.
- Improved heart health Your heart is a muscle just like any other and in order for it to become strong it must be worked. Failing to work it will cause it to weaken over time, but getting the heart pumping at a faster rate on a regular basis will keep it fit and healthy.
- Increased metabolism Did you know that regular exercise will speed up your metabolism? Along with speeding up your heart rate, cardio exercise also increases the rate of other processes in the body. Generally speaking, the more intense the cardio session, the more noticeable increase you will see with regards to your metabolic rate.
If you are new to exercise, sometimes the hardest thing is just getting started. Simply find an activity that gets you moving and that you enjoy. Any form of exercise will do, whether it is going for a walk, a bike ride or participating in an organised sport.
And don’t forget to take advantage of discounted gym membership, one of the many great benefits of working here at TGP. Speak to HR to find out more.
