Exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle and is often overlooked during the transition process. In high school, students rarely exercise outside of school, since, for most, exercise is built into the regular school day (with P.E. class, team sports, etc…). Once a young adult begins to transition to increased independence, it is important that healthy lifestyle habits become a consistent routine.
Countless studies have shown the benefits of exercise and good nutrition for everyone. However, building a healthy lifestyle is often still quite challenging!
Here are five quick tips to building a healthy lifestyle:
1) Identify which types of exercise you are already doing—then do more! Many people do fitness activities in their daily lives and don’t always realize it. Mow the lawn? Vacuum the living room? Walk the dog? These can all be great exercise! Just make sure to do them consistently and for at least 20 minutes per day (U.S.D.H.H.S., 2008).
2) Mix it up! Doing the same type of exercise everyday can get boring. Research shows that mixing up your routine to include both cardio and weight-bearing exercise can be more beneficial than doing either alone. Mix up your routine to include different types of exercise and work out different muscle groups! (U.S.D.H.H.S., 2008).
3) Create a checklist. Make a list of all of the types of exercise that you are willing to do and then pick one to do each day for at least twenty minutes. Then, at the beginning of the next week, start over!
4) Find a buddy! Exercise can be more fun when you have a partner. Find a friend, neighbor, or sibling to work out with. You can motivate each other to be consistent, plus it will be more fun!
5) Join a team! Check out local clubs or teams that you can join. There are many adult sports leagues and clubs out there. Playing on a team can help you learn new skills, make new friends, and practice a fun sport!
Check out Advance LA’s new Basketball Club for a great way to build a healthy lifestyle and make new friends! For more information or to RSVP contact Rachel Round at 818.779.5247 or rround@thehelpgroup.org
Reference:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2008). Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Summary. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/summary.aspx
