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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Wayne Andersen, DO, MD
The Big Rewards Of Healthy Motion
Optavia
. http://www.drwayneandersen.com

The Big Rewards Of Healthy Motion

Your individual goals for your health may vary, but the overall theme is consistent for most of us. One person may want to get back to playing pick-up basketball while another wants the mobility and energy to keep up with her grandkids, but we all want to live longer, more vibrant lives.

We see that health is our gateway to spending more time with our families and creating more of the memories we cherish.

Yes, a big part of reaching a healthy weight is simply looking and feeling good, but as we move ourselves closer to optimal wellbeing, we unlock a wealth of other rewards. As our health bubble strengthens, our likelihood of contracting cancer or heart disease drops significantly. In other cases, we may even be able to reverse conditions that once required medication, such as high cholesterol and diabetes.

The habits of health are the key to a rich life. Recently, a study in the journal Neurology found that fitness may reduce the likelihood of dementia in women. This research is promising but is not groundbreaking. Instead, it's another piece of evidence that habits of healthy motion are good for our brains, and the existing research says so for both genders.

For this most recent study, high cardiovascular fitness meant a reduction of 88% for the risk of dementia. Another study showed that cyclists as old as 70 or 80 have the immune systems of 20-year-olds, in large part due to their activity levels.

The lesson is simple habits of healthy motion are powerful tools for giving us the vibrant, active lives we desire. If we truly make them habits, an ingrained part of our daily choices and routines, we may not only add years to our life but dramatically increase the quality of those years.

If habits of healthy motion are not a regular part of your life today, here are some tips for getting started

Talk to your physician before making a change to your activity levels. If you have been mostly sedentary in recent years, a conversation with your doctor can help you to make the transition into activity safely and smoothly.

Unscheduled increases in movement, such as standing more often at work or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, are a big part of your health. Habits of healthy motion aren't just about hitting the gym.

Find an active hobby that you enjoy and perhaps has a social element as well. Taking a group yoga class with friendly people, for example, can make your workouts feel less like a chore and more like a reward.

Take your time and increase your challenges gradually. High-intensity workouts are effective, but it can be dangerous to jump directly into them if you have been relatively inactive. Work with a coach or trainer who understands where you are and can ease you into an exercise routine.

Workout with a buddy. If you have a friend or a health coach cheering you on and holding you accountable, being consistent will be much easier.

Don't miss out on the chance to spend many more years with the people you love. Start perfecting your habits of healthy motion today.

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