This informal CPD article A healthy body means a better you was provided by Alison, Free Online Learning Provider.
One of the unexpected positives of the coronavirus pandemic has been the huge uptake in exercise and fitness by the general public. With the disappearance of daily commutes and the almost wholesale closure of the commercial, leisure and hospitality sectors, many of us have turned to exercise as a way of filling the day. Whether it be a daily run or a regular yoga routine, increased physical activity will be a hallmark of coronavirus for many.
And hopefully, it will remain an important part of our lives once the lockdowns have ended, as regular exercise is one of the healthiest habits to get into. There is no end to the positive side effects of keeping fit, and it's the best long term investment you could possibly make.
The Best of Habits
The best way to ensure you stay committed to regular exercise is to make sure you enjoy doing it. It sounds obvious, but repeating the same exercises over and over becomes dull, and you'll be more inclined to let it slip. By varying your routine, you'll keep yourself interested. Mixing up your workout will also make sure you don't overtire any one part of your body, as overtiredness is another common reason for falling out of a routine.
There is no shortage of websites and free resources available online which outline countless different workout routines to keep you busy, interested and moving. Apps and wearable fitness devices are also great ways to make sure you stay in the habit of regular exercise.
The Value of Team Sports
While team sports aren't an option at the moment, once things open up again, they're a great way to keep fit, socialise and meet new people. Five-a-side football and basketball, tag rugby and rounder’s are common group activities in public parks and sports centres, and the organisers are always looking for more players.
Team sports are also a great way to learn a host of skills that are incredibly useful off of the pitch. Transferable skills like teamwork, strategy and commitment are as useful in the office as they are on the pitch.
Calm Your Body to Unwind Your Mind
Exercise doesn't have to be overly strenuous to be effective. While it's important to get your heart going for cardiovascular fitness, sometimes it's just as important to calm your heart rate and breathing and just centre yourself in your body.
Yoga is a great way to combine the practice of mindfulness with physical activity. Uniting your mind and body through yoga can be a great way to clear your head, get to know your body and de-stress.
Physical Fitness - Mental Health
One of the most positive results of regular exercise isn't even physical; it’s mental! When you work out, the body releases chemicals called endorphins which naturally improve your mood and make you feel good. Strenuous exercise is an excellent way of getting out of your head if you've got a lot on your plate and getting some perspective.
Set Yourself Goals
Regardless of what kind of self-improvement journey you're on, central to any personal development plan is the setting of goals. Getting in shape can be a particularly gratifying developmental experience because you'll feel real tangible improvements in your body's capabilities as you progress. To track your progress and to stay motivated, it's important to set yourself regular goals. They can range from being able to run a marathon 18 months from now to being able to do 40 pushups by the end of the month. The important thing is not the goals themselves but that you stay dedicated to achieving them.
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