With the new athleisure trend in full swing, many men and women are looking for creative ways to exercise and stay healthy, which is much needed! Research has found that only 20% of adults hit the Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s Physical Activity Guidelines for both aerobic physical and muscle-strengthening activity. Furthermore, only around 20% of people can lose weight and then effectively keep from regaining it. Even more worrying, less than 5% of adults do at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. We’ve never needed a good workout plan and motivation more! One creative new way to workout is something called PiYo — a fusion of Pilates and yoga. It can often come with a PiYo nutrition plan, customized PiYo workouts, and even a PiYo coach for the most hardcore adherents. Although perhaps a PiYo nutrition plan isn’t for everyone long term, it can help you figure out how to healthily fuel your body while exercising and carry those good habits over when the PiYo nutrition plan itself is over.
How Does Staying Fit and In Shape Help Me in the Long Run?
If you’re getting regular physical activity, there’s a good chance that your risk for cardiovascular illnesses could be reduced, according to recent research. It can also bring down your risk for developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The British Medical Journal released a study in 2012 that stated that regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and staying away from bad habits like smoking or heavy drinking could help older women extend their lifespan by five years and older men by six years. Furthermore, the CDC says that three-quarters of healthcare spending is used on treating preventable chronic diseases, that are linked to our diets. If we improved our diets and exercise habits, there’s a good chance healthcare spending would also decrease. You may even see a difference in your mental and emotional outlook if you practice healthy habits.
I Just Don’t Have Time to Exercise!
Perhaps the hardest thing about exercising is finding the time to do it and actually starting. When you work 9-5 (or longer hours), have a partner and/or a family, it can be difficult to fit in exercise. You’re probably exhausted when you get home from work and there are chores and other responsibilities that need to be taken care of. However, many modern workout plans recognize that time is limited and have developed five, ten, or fifteen minute workout routines that you can do when you have the time. Many recommend doing short activities throughout the day, like three ten-minute walks. And moderate-intensity activity is simply walking on a level surface at a brisk rate (between 3-4 miles an hour). Vigorous-intensity activity is done when your heart rate significantly increases and it would be difficult to carry on a conversation, due to your heavy breathing. Many workout plans that do quick blasts to fit in around your busy schedule alternate the moderate to vigorous-intensity activity to maximize the workout you get.
Where Can I Find Group Classes Like PiYo?
Another fun way to motivate yourself to work out can be to join a group class with friends, family, or even strangers. If you live near a gym, they may offer classes like yoga, pilates, kickboxing, spinning, and more. Some will offer a membership where you can try a certain number of classes for a set rate and if you find one you like, you can simply stick to that one afterwards. PiYo or other fusion style classes may also be offered. There may also be independent studios that offer classes or sessions — ask around and keep your eyes peeled for flyers or other advertisements around the community. Group classes can also be a good motivator — exercising with other people can help you commit to working out regularly.
Committing to a healthy lifestyle is important, especially as we get older. Preventive measures such as exercising regularly and eating well can go a long way to keeping your body and mind in good shape. It can also be fun and offer structure if you follow something like a PiYo nutrition plan or workouts.
