Why is exercise important to me?
Exercise is important for many reasons: It helps you to:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Prevent many diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol
- Build strength and endurance
- Prevent injuries
- Build self-confidence and self-esteem
- Sleep better
What is aerobic exercise?
Aerobic exercise is exercise that does the following:
- Increases your heart rate
- Makes you breathe deeply
- Improves your large muscle groups
Some examples of aerobic exercise are:
- Brisk walking
- Dancing
- Jogging
- Skiing
- Cycling
- Using exercise equipment like a treadmill or exercise bike
- Swimming
I'm so busy. How can I find time to exercise?
Anyone can work some exercise into the daily schedule. You can do many exercises at home, outdoors or even at work. Here are some suggestions:
- Exercise while watching TV. You can do stretching exercises or use free weights or exercise equipment such as an exercise bike.
- Exercise around the neighborhood. You can bike to the store, work in the garden, mow the lawn, or take out a ball or Frisbee and offer to play a game with the kids.
- Exercise at work. Park your car at a distance or get off the bus a stop early and walk 10 minutes to the office. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, take a brisk walk on your lunch hour, or join the team if your company participates in recreational sports.
How can I make exercise a habit?
- Choose something you like to do
- Find a partner, someone to exercise with you
- Alternate your routine: walk one day, dance the next
- Make exercise fun: exercise with a group or exercise to music
- Stay positive: don't worry if you do not see progress right away. It may take weeks before you notice any change
- Check your progress: see if you can walk a longer distance or exercise for longer periods of time without getting tired
For more information
If you would like more information, please contact us.
Date Reviewed: March 2014
© 2015 National Kidney Foundation. All rights reserved. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.
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© 2024 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.