Here’s How Your Exercising Routine Could Bring You Into Shape: Get Moving and Save Big With Smarty
Exercise acts like an elixir to keep us happy and healthy; we all know that! But how many of us incorporate it in our daily lives? According to a report, only one in three children are active daily, and less than 5% of adults carry out physical activity each day. This might be due to a lack of time, motivation, knowledge, or a sustainable exercising routine. There may be several reasons, but the consequences of failing to exercise can be fatal. It’s time to understand the importance of exercise, develop a consistent exercising routine, and enjoy the physical and mental benefits.
Importance of Exercising
Exercising is crucial for your overall health and well-being. Regular exercise is integral to a healthy lifestyle and can benefit both physical and mental health.
According to CDC, an average adult needs 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle-strengthening training per week.
Following are the benefits that comprehend with exercising daily:
1. Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases
According to CDC, physical activity like cardio, aerobic exercises, and muscle-strengthening workouts can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, Stroke, Cancer, Mental breakdown, and depression.
2. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Regular exercise helps improve blood circulation and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. It also helps to lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels in your body.
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3. Supports Mental Health
Exercising regularly can boost your mood, reduce stress, and help fight depression. Exercising enhances self-esteem, boosts confidence, and brings a sense of accomplishment, improving your mental health. These health benefits can be attained with just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, three times a week. You don’t have to worry about time or energy as three 10-minute walks can offer the same benefits as a continuous 30-minute walk.
4. Manages Weight
Following a workout routine helps burn calories and maintain a healthy weight by increasing your metabolism. This is important as being overweight increases the risk of obesity and many other chronic diseases.
5. Boosts Energy Levels
Working out regularly is a great way to increase energy and avoid fatigue. This is because exercise enhances the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, enhancing overall performance and reducing fatigue.
6. Improves Sleep Quality
By exercising, you can improve the quality of your sleep and reduce the chances of developing sleep deprivation. Exercising can also help regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, potentially reducing the risk of sleep disorders.
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7. Strengthens Muscles and Bones
Following a strict exercising routine can help strengthen your muscles and build bone mass. It indeed helps to reduce the risk of injury and improves overall body functions.
8. Improves Brain Function
According to Harvard Health Publication, exercise stimulates the release of neurochemicals, a.k.a, growth factors, that help in the growth of new brain cells and blood vessels in the brain and, thus, help to improve cognitive function, including memory, decision-making ability, and enhance emotional balance.
Different Types of Exercises to Keep You Fit and Focused
There is no one perfect exercise routine that suits everyone; each person’s fitness journey is unique. However, trying out different exercises, such as strength training or HIIT, can help you achieve your fitness goals by targeting different muscle groups, improving your fitness, and making your workouts more fun.
Here are some of the most common types of exercises:
1. Cardiovascular Exercises (Cardio)
As the name suggests, cardiovascular exercises increase the heart rate or keep it elevated for a prolonged period. Cardio exercises increase endurance activity, help in weight loss and improve heart and lung function. These exercises include running, cycling, swimming, dancing, and aerobics.
2. Strength Training
Strength training exercises are designed to build muscle and improve overall strength. These exercises target specific muscle groups and help with bone density, posture, and daily activities. Weightlifting, resistance band exercises, circuit training, kettlebell workouts, and bodyweight exercises (such as push-ups, pull-ups, and squats) are all examples of strength workouts.
3. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT is a form of exercise that alternates between high-intensity and low-intensity exercises. This type of workout is designed to increase metabolism and improve heart health and accelerate fat loss. Some well-known HIIT exercises include sprint intervals, Tabata workouts, HIIT cycling or swimming, and bodyweight HIIT exercises (burpees, mountain climbers).
4. Functional Exercises
Functional exercises train your muscles to work together, mimicking the movements you perform in daily life. These exercises improve overall fitness, prevent injuries, and enhance quality of life. Common functional exercises include lunges, squats, deadlifts, planks, and push-ups.
5. Balance and Stability Exercises
Balance and stability exercises are designed to enhance balance and stability, especially in older adults. They can improve coordination, prevent falls, and support functional movement, as well as enhance athletic performance and overall fitness. Examples of these exercises include tai chi, stability ball exercises, and balance beam exercises.
6. Flexibility Exercises
Flexibility exercises, or stretching, are the type of exercises that increase motion in your joints and improve flexibility. They also help relieve stress, improve posture, and prevent injuries. Yoga, stretching, and Pilates are exercises that can improve posture, reduce stress, and prevent injuries.
Tips to Build an Active Exercising Routine
One of the biggest challenges to start exercising is staying motivated. But with some discipline, you can keep yourself motivated and on track. Here are a few tips to help you create a compelling and funfilled exercising routine:
- Set your fitness goals. Determine whether you wish to lose weight, build muscle mass, reduce your belly fat, or simply feel better; set realistic and achievable goals.
- Start small. It’s important to start small and gradually increase your activity level when you are a beginner. This will help you avoid burnout and injuries.
- Choose the activities you enjoy, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of exercises. You can opt for running, swimming, Yoga, Zumba, or joining a gym nearby. Choosing activities, you enjoy increases the likelihood of sticking to your routine.
- Get a workout buddy! Exercising with a partner can keep you motivated, accountable, and make your workouts more enjoyable. You can even collaborate on an exercise routine and challenge each other to achieve your fitness goals.
- Scheduling your workouts is essential. Find a fitness routine that fits your lifestyle and commit to it. Consistency is key to unlocking the benefits of exercise.
- Track your progress. Keeping a journal or using a fitness app like MyFitnessPal to track your progress can help you stay motivated and see how far you’ve reached your fitness goals. So make sure to track your fitness progress.
- Set time for recovery. Incorporate recovery activities like stretching to avoid muscle soreness and injuries. You can even schedule a rest day in your workout plan and take a break once or twice weekly.
- Reward yourself when you reach your fitness goals. Make sure you find something that motivates you and use it to help you achieve your goals, whether it’s a massage, new workout gear, or a special treat (Yeah, you can even call it a cheat-meal day and sneak out to taste your favorite dessert, but make sure not to overeat).
Maximizing Savings on Exercise Gear with Smarty
Once you’ve established your exercise routine and are committed to sticking to it, you may need to invest in equipment, apparel, and supplements to support your fitness journey. While finding everything online is easy, investing in your workout gear isn’t always pocket-friendly. Everything has become quite expensive, from home gym subscriptions to workout equipment, especially with the ongoing inflation. Did you know that Smarty offers several ways to save money when shopping for exercise equipment, apparel, and supplements? From sourcing the best deals and offering coupons to giving Smarty cashback, you will be amazed to unlock the exclusive perks when you shop from your favorite brands using the Smarty extension.
Here is a list of essential products you’ll need for your fitness journey. Start shopping smartly with Smarty and enjoy your workout routine!
1. Workout Clothing and Activewear
Good workout clothing is crucial for a comfortable and effective exercise routine. After all, your workout clothes are not just meant for style; they provide flexibility, comfort, and breathability and protect you during your workout sessions. Unlock savings with Smarty on quality workout clothes from top brands like Bandier, Lorna Jane, Target, and Gymshark, and make sure you look and feel your best during your workouts.
2. Exercise Equipment
The right equipment can help you achieve your weight loss goals effectively during exercise. They control your movements and match with your motion, helping you prevent injuries and provide effective and safe exercise your body needs. Smarty can help you find good prices on exercise equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, and yoga mats from different stores. This way, you can build your home gym without spending a fortune.
You can explore and shop for your exercise equipment from Titan Fitness, Horizon Fitness, and Life Fitness.
3. Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches
Investing in fitness trackers or smartwatches can help you monitor your progress, set goals, and stay motivated. Although they seem similar, they have different functions, so it’s necessary to understand your needs and select the right ones. With Smarty, you can compare prices and discounts on fitness trackers and smartwatches from various retailers and find the perfect device to suit your needs at an affordable price.
Best Buy, Fitbit, Samsung, Fossil, and Amazfit are known to sell best quality fitness trackers and smartwatches.
4. Healthy Snack Options and Supplements
Eating well is important for your health and fitness. Nutritious snacks can give you the right nutrients, keep you feeling full, and prevent overeating.
Shop with Smarty to find discounts on healthy snacks and supplements from popular retailers and stay on track with your goals. You can shop for health supplements and snacks from Thrive Market, Walmart, Costco, Kroger, and many more.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to a Plant-Based Diet: Save Money and Get Cashback with SmartyPlus
5. Online Fitness Programs
Fitness programs can help you track your exercise, nutrition, and progress, making it easy to stay accountable and motivated. Moreover, an exercise program helps you enjoy your workout routine from the comfort of your home and make the process simple and feasible. You can hire a personal trainer and get a tailored workout plan to achieve your fitness goals.
Explore Smarty to find discounts and deals on popular fitness programs from Yoga International, Everyday Yoga, and Mirror (Lululemon Studio) to uplift your fitness journey.
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Exercising Routine Made Simple!
Building an active exercising routine is not a piece of cake; it requires discipline and self-motivation, especially if starting from scratch. However, by understanding your body and with proper planning, you can make it a part of your daily routine. Start by setting realistic goals and break them down into smaller, achievable steps. Remember to invest in your fitness gear and choose the activities you love to enjoy a fit and healthy lifestyle!