By Mashum Mollah
Do you have the goal to get active, but simply don’t have the motivation or know how to go about it? Many people are keen to boost their fitness levels now, with researchers stressing the importance of exercise for our health and wellbeing. You can enjoy physical activity simply as a fun past-time or even make it your career by becoming a professional athlete or fitness instructor.
Staying active has been proven to reduce your risk of illness and disease and improve mental health, as exercise has shown to release ‘feel-good’ endorphins in the brain. There are many ways you can enjoy a more active lifestyle. Take a look at just a few of the pointers below.
Support a good cause
If you aim to keep fit from time to time but don’t have anything to strive for, it can be hard to stay motivated. One way to force yourself to stick to a strict workout schedule would be to take part in sponsor walks or runs for charities. Raising money for a worthy cause will give you a newfound sense of motivation and something to aim for, so you can push through some of your toughest fitness challenges.
Make it your career
Starting a career in fitness is perfect for those who are passionate about making health and wellbeing a way of life. You will need to have a high level of concentration, strength, and stamina to make it in the fitness industry. There are a vast number of careers to consider, from personal trainers to sports therapists and even professional sports players. Different positions require distinct skills and qualifications, so it would be worth carrying out a bit of research before deciding which route is for you.
First and foremost, you will need to keep up a regular workout program to build up endurance and look for opportunities that correspond with the career you’d like to pursue. You could try volunteering at a gym, sports club or school or even check out football scholarships at university.
Be social
Working out with friends will make you much more likely to integrate physical activity into your daily lifestyle. You’ll be so busy chatting and enjoying yourself that you won’t think twice about how hard you’re pushing yourself. Instead of choosing to visit a cafe or the cinema on your next meet-up, make the pledge to go to yoga or Zumba classes or take a jog around the neighborhood.
Get a dog
The Journal of Physical Activity & Health discovered that having a dog can dramatically increase your fitness levels. Research has shown that 34% of those who own a dog will become much more active than those who don’t, due to taking regular walks. On average, dog-walkers tend to exercise 22 minutes more per day than non-dog-owners. While adopting a dog isn’t a decision to be taken lightly, it is certainly something to think about if you have the time and can commit to daily walks.
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