“Exercise Daily – 30 to 45 minutes is all we need…”

Most of us as school kids, college buffs tend to engage in some physical activities like professional sports, adventure, trekking or some form of daily exercise – cardio vascular, aerobic or be it muscle building & toning. Somewhere as we get into the nitty gritty’s of the professional world & careers, we forget our hobbies, passion & most of all our exercise regime & health – one of the most important elements for human well being & professional success.

I know the work clock ticks too fast & 24 hours is less to complete our work – But, ask this question & expect an honest answer to the same – Can I spare 30 to 45 minutes for exercise every day? Park the answer & let me just illustrate the benefits of exercising.

When we talk exercise – it’s not just about physical but also mental exercise. If you are over weight & have an untoned body well you cannot afford a “No” for exercise & 30 – 45 mins may not be enough for you. Apart from the physical aspect, we need a sharp memory, good reflexes, concentration, stress relief measures, ability to think quick & strategize – in short a wholistic development of the mind & body.

We as individuals make the mistake of hitting gyms or jogging as soon as we think about exercise – the problem – we cannot sustain the routine & it fades away in a week or two. Ideally, we should look at a combination of:

▪ Cardio-vascular exercises - Running, jogging, brisk walking, climbing stairs.
▪ Gym – Muscle building & toning with or without weights.
▪ Indoor/Outdoor Games – TT/Badminton/Tennis/Football/Swimming.
▪ Adventure Sports – Mountaineering, Biking, Trekking, Rock climbing, rappling.
▪ Aerobics & Yoga.

It would be very difficult for an individual to choose all options – this is just to avoid monotony & enhance continuity. You may choose the options which best suit your need & the facilities & infrastructure for which are easily available to you. So, you may opt a 5-day work out with 5 different categories – you will enjoy exercising this way. If you don’t – I am sure you wouldn’t continue.

Research shows that physical exercise helps to maintain & improve brain health – It improves what scientists call “Executive Function” – processing speed, response speed & working memory – allows to select behavior that is appropriate to the situation & focus on the job at hand despite distractions. It slows down the process of aging & reduces the probability of heart attacks or Alzheimers.

With the highly stressful work culture, we have deaths due to heart attacks at the age of 30/40, people who suffer from frustration & quit jobs, hypertension, sleeplessness & other mental/physical disorders at a very young age. You may be the only source of income in your family – The backbone to say. If your health gives way, think of the system without you. If not you, it is for them that you need to exercise. We may still prefer to pursue our professional careers & ignore our physical/mental well-being. But, is it worth a compensate, especially if we just have 1 life to live?

I am sure, by now you have the answer to the question etched in your mind. BELIEVE ME, it’s just about taking that first step & the right one indeed. It’s then all about continuing the small steps for big leaps, reaching those milestones & seeing miracles happen – Yes, they do – If you want them to – So, HAPPY EXERCISING EVERY DAY!!!