Exercise may be the closest thing to the fountain of youth. Not only does regular activity strengthen your muscles and improve heart and lung function, but it can also reduce your risk of major diseases, stimulate the growth of new brain cells, and even add years to your life. Regular aerobic exercise lowers levels of stress hormones. For many people, exercise helps relieve depression as effectively as antidepressant medication.

Exercise also helps maintain a healthy blood-sugar level by increasing the cells’ sensitivity to insulin and by controlling weight. Regular brisk walking can significantly cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Studies show just 30 minutes of physical activity on most days is all that’s required to reap big benefits. What’s most important is consistency. Here are some of my tips to get moving!

• Find a kind of exercise you enjoy. If you like to walk, great, go for a walk everyday. If yoga is your thing, do that. If it’s something you like, you’re more likely to stick with it.
• Get a workout buddy. This gives you both some accountability. You won’t skip a run if you know you are letting down your run buddy!
• Challenge yourself. If you walk or run, sign up for a 5K, 10K, or longer race. If you disc golf, sign up for a tournament. This gives you a goal to work towards.
• Listen to fun music or podcasts while you workout. My favorite podcasts are the Rich Roll podcast, From the Heart, and Divine Through Line.
• Mix it up. If you get bored with one type of workout, do something else. For instance, I am a runner, but lately I’ve been adding hot yoga to my workout routine.

Homework time:
What’s your favorite type of exercise? Whatever it is, schedule time on your calendar and make it a priority.