11/13/10

Week 2: Day 13 - Unexpected Exercise

Exercise is a very important step in managing diabetes. It control blood sugar levels, increases energy levels, improves heart health, and promotes emotional well-being. Getting active helps you manage this disease so it does not control your life. A person can benefit from as little as 30 minutes a day, most days of the week.

When you think of exercise, it doesn't have to be the normal activities one usually thinks of first, like going to the gym. It can be any number of things, like playing with your kids or pets, raking the leaves in the fall, or shoveling the snow in the winter. And now a days there are even thins like video games that can help you get the exercise you need and make it fun for you! Some of the best exercise is the little bits that you can sneak in here and there. Just last night I ended up getting in an extra 20 minute walk since we had to drop of car off at the garage to get it inspected today. After we dropped it off, we walked home, which took 20 minutes. And today when we go pick it up, that will be another 20 minutes that i had not planned on getting.

Another thing about exercise is that you don't need to get it all in at once. You can break it up into smaller 10 minute blocks through out the day. It all adds up. So keep that in mind. It can really help you find extra time to sneak in some exercise. The next time you are watching tv, get up and walk during the commercials rather than just sitting on the couch snacking. While you are cooking or cleaning in the kitchen, dance around some. Get your body moving. You can also benefit from parking farther away from the stores when you go shopping or when you go to work. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Just remember, it all adds up and in the end you will be a healthier person for it!!

Diabetes Fact: 11.5 million, or 10.2% of all women aged 20 years or older have diabetes

1 comment:

  1. I am a HUGE fan of Incidental Exercise! (parking further away, standing or walking around instead of sitting when you are talking on the phone, taking the stairs instead of elevator/escalators etc)
    They start at choices you make to get a little extra activity in your routine and before long you are doing them and don't even know it. I went to Super Target this week to get some groceries and parked a decent way out. I walked past a whole bunch of open spots on the way into the store and I didn't even really do well damn! I shoulda parked closer. It was a real shift. I only noticed this because when I have others in the car I try to park as close as possibe so they don't have to walk. I have become a lazy enabler!

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