Moderation can be exercised in all areas of life. It positively affects our senses and notions of enjoyment, joy, worth, and well-being.
It is often possible to achieve higher-quality output with less effort. Cardio training is an exception. This has become even clearer to me after a period of less activity, partly caused by COVID-19. On this blog (in videos and a previous article), I have discussed how to get back into a more active lifestyle in such a situation.
My days improve significantly after I complete a short workout early in the morning. Even as little as 30 minutes of fast walking or light jogging can promote brain cell regeneration. A morning cardio session can be combined well with anything from an audiobook to exam revision in audio form.
Engaging in short cardiovascular activities in your everyday life, such as climbing stairs, can be very beneficial and help ease tension. After experiencing some form of conflict – whether job-related or in your private life – completing an additional cardio session can be particularly worthwhile. This helps to overcome any negative thought patterns you may be experiencing. Short strength-based or stretching sessions can be carried out almost anywhere or anytime, although there are situations where well-meaning exercise might be less effective. It is best not to let the thoughts of others weigh on you or inhibit your personal expression. Your health comes first. When carried out consistently, even short training sessions can lead to significant progress within a short period. From my own experience of quitting smoking, the improvement in my quality of life was almost indescribable. Adding regular exercise to your day is beneficial for improving your energy levels – this is particularly true for those with occupations which involve a lot of sitting.
I complete my cardio training almost like clockwork every morning and evening. However, something is missing when I cannot carry out this routine. Using a relaxing run to process a demanding workday can be a comfort. Early in the morning, when I look at my sleep app, I see that it confirms the huge influence regular movement has on sleep patterns and quality. Even when sleeping conditions are not optimal, you will usually get a good sleep with enough movement.
It is crucial to vary your training sessions at this level of intensity. There are countless possibilities. Introducing runs, walks, and a variety of exercises into your workouts results in more motivation, creativity, and progress. Breathing and mindfulness exercises are essential and interesting accompaniments.
It is not necessary to always make full use of your time. However, it is worth reiterating that audiobooks and music can lead to more motivation and enjoyment when exercising. Naturally, you should always respect your environment. Aspirational ideas and plans are also key. Music is inspiring and can help to improve your performance. It is imperative to listen to your body. Stretching is a must after any exercise as it prevents injuries that always hinder your progress.
What should you do if your days remain arduous and tense? Could gradual progression or an increase in intensity be the solution? Not by themselves. It is likely effective to completely exhaust yourself occasionally (except in old age). For example, you might set up a competition with friends. For me, this takes the form of interval training twice a week.
If you have the opportunity and the time to go to the gym, you can train in a varied and focused manner within a short period. Exchanging ideas with experts and those interested in fitness can also help you to realise your goals. If you have reservations due to COVID-19 or any other reason, that does not mean you must neglect your physical health. Many small exercises can be done without the aid of any equipment. Nevertheless, my advice is to use as many aids as possible. This also applies to quitting smoking (more information in the corresponding blog article). Without spending much money, it is possible to acquire pull-up bars (to attach to, for example, your bathroom door), a yoga mat, a kettlebell, a range of weights, push-up grips, etc. Even if you cannot do a pull-up, walking past the pull-up bars when on your way to the bathroom will not fail to have an effect.
Here is a summary of my personal go-to tips:
- Move at least twice each day
- Prioritise convenience
- Incorporate as many small exercises as possible into each day
- Keep things varied and playful
- Carry out activities with others
- You can use as many helpful resources as possible. Provided that they do not consume too much time, apps are useful
- Taking measurements and recording your progress can be helpful, not just when attempting to gain control over your weight
- The question, “Why is exercise important?” is critical. It may be worthwhile to note your thoughts and regularly update them. In my view, this is one of the most important things to consider in the long term. Coaches and mentors come highly recommended.