Global Courant 2023-04-15 19:00:02
Those who set out to exercise often give it up in a month, according to a study by Edith Cowan University in Australia, which explains the factors that play an important role in fulfilling or not fulfilling this desire.
Exercising is a frequent goal that presents great challenges, especially if you lead a sedentary life.
If this was one of your goals at the beginning of the year, have you managed to fulfill this purpose?
Nearly 300 Australians were surveyed over two months in early 2022 and answered questions about their exercise goal resolutions, different types of motivation, mental wellbeing and more. Lead researcher Professor Joanne Dickson said it was surprising what did and didn’t influence people who stuck to their New Year’s exercise resolutions.
When the person acts for personal reasons and for their own well-being, they achieve greater adherence to the exercise.
“We found that exercising for autonomous, intrinsic reasons, such as fun, enjoyment, reward, purpose or meaning, is more likely to stick with it,” Dickson said.
By contrast, the research team found that pursuing resolutions for extrinsic reasons did not achieve this effect. “Resolutions motivated by factors such as complying with the demands or approval of others, material rewards or seeking a resolution out of guilt or shame do not succeed,” added the researcher.
Movement and health in the couple
But don’t be discouraged, other ways to maintain the habit and promote more health at the bodily level have been described. Among the main strategies are setting realistic goals and also joining with others to create the exercise routine.
On this last point, specialists comment that exercising with your partner or other loved ones helps in the process.
Look together for an activity that you enjoy and that you can integrate into your life routine. (Free Press Photo: Shutterstock)
Even, a study from the University of Oxford explains that exercising as a couple releases more endorphins than those who train individually. These produce a feeling of well-being or emotional satisfaction, as well as being associated with reducing pain and inflammation.
Endorphins, on that plane, alleviate depression and anxiety to some extent, which produces that feeling of euphoria that so satisfies those who exercise.
That is why people who are already involved in an exercise routine feel motivated to continue in it, because it also generates a feeling of self-confidence.
Swimming, walking, climbing or going to the gym are among the options to relax and enjoy some exercise time. (Free Press Photo: Shutterstock)
The truth is that the tools that a couple finds to exercise enrich their relationship. They make the couple a team because they not only spend quality time, but work together towards wellness goals.
The couple will be strengthened in elements of motivation, positivism, trust, support, affection and a feeling of fidelity.
Also, developing an activity with the person you love represents a moment in which both can forget about stress.
time for health
If the couple is sedentary, they should look for an activity that they both enjoy. Some might start with a walk, others will like to go for a run, swim or even dare other sports. Professional advice to start is important.
Together they could undertake something new for both of them. Andrea Marroquín, sensei at Wolfpack, explains for example that in certain disciplines such as karate there is no age to start practicing. “For adults, karate helps to strengthen memory because sequences and coordination are learned, it is taught to use the coordination of the body with the mind again. It is not just a defense, but to get rid of stress”, says Marroquín.
Nutritionist Diana Maldonado adds that leading a healthy life includes both exercise and eating habits.
Maldonado describes that currently, life with stress, work schedules and the pandemic have had a negative impact on emotional and physical health, so exercise helps to improve this situation “for adults, 30 minutes of exercise per day is recommended , at least five times a week”, he recommends, according to international guidelines.
In general, frequent physical activity helps reduce the risk of several serious health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, and osteoporosis.
Thus, with exercise the heart increases the ability to pump blood and also impacts on weight, since fat deposits in the body are reduced.
Starting a fitness program
Mayo Clinic explains that it’s important to consult with a doctor before beginning a program. In this process it is also suggested:
start gradually
Establish a goal in which little by little you increase the time and effort. Never exercise to the point of nausea, dizziness, or extreme shortness of breath. Select the right exercise
There must be something that you enjoy together. Try to exercise most days of the week. Among the exercises are aerobics, excursions, badminton, bicycle, dance, swimming, tennis, volleyball and others. Before starting
Don’t forget to warm up, stretch, and also cool down and increase flexibility.
