Introduction
Maintaining a regular exercise routine is one of the best preventive medicines available, as it not only helps you live longer but also enhances your quality of life by reducing the risk of heart diseases and facilitating relaxation.
In Mexico, only 41.1% of the adult population engages in physical activity, primarily due to time constraints, health issues, fatigue, and lack of facilities. To address this, exploring alternatives to start or resume physical activity is crucial for improving the physical and mental health of Mexicans.
Alternatives for Beginners
Yoga or Stretching
An ideal option for beginners is yoga or, even simpler, stretching. With its various levels, it’s perfect for building consistency, strength, flexibility, and endurance. You can easily find free routines online to practice at home or join public or private classes with flexible schedules.
- Yoga or Stretching: This alternative is perfect for beginners due to its varying levels, helping to build consistency, strength, flexibility, and endurance. You can find free routines online or join public or private classes with flexible schedules.
Dancing
Not all exercises need to be individual; dance classes are a popular alternative due to their dynamism and the fact that they don’t feel like exercise but rather a fun recreational activity. Public and private classes are easy to find for all levels and groups, or you can search for online videos to help you start from home.
- Dancing: Dance classes are a popular alternative as they offer dynamism and don’t feel like exercise but rather a fun recreational activity. You can easily find public and private classes for all levels and groups, or search for online videos to help you start from home.
Motivation through Fitness Challenges
Another way to motivate yourself to start exercising is through fitness challenges. These challenges involve completing a certain number of exercises or minutes of activity daily, with the goal of building consistency through engaging dynamics.
“An example of this is the Healthy Cities challenge by Bupa, which involves walking 6,000 steps daily for 30 days. Depending on the days and challenges completed, virtual rewards are earned,” they explain.
This program offers a double benefit, as it not only motivates daily physical activity but also plants trees in a community in Mexico City once the challenge is completed, thus benefiting the ecosystem.
The Importance of Exercise
“Exercise is not a task or punishment; it’s an act of love for your body and mind. From the simplest to the most complex physical activities, you contribute to a better quality of life,” they emphasize.
It’s recommended to start gradually and increase the intensity and frequency of activities over time. If you experience any discomfort, consult an expert. Remember, the primary goal is to not only take care of yourself but also enjoy the process.
