This May we celebrated Global Move for Health Day in South African, an initiative that encourages all South Africans to take responsibility for their health by engaging in physical activities. “Global Move for Health Day, this year, was celebrated on 10 May, but is one day really enough time to change bad habits and pick up healthy, new ones? We would like to suggest that during the entire month of May our physical activity and our diet should be looked at more closely,” suggests Selvan Naicker, brand manager for JointEze®.
In order to improve and maintain health, it is suggested that at least 30 minutes of physical activity should be performed daily. Many beginners hop on the treadmill or stationary bike and believe that there is no other option when it comes to getting in shape or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “Sometimes, traditional exercise can put off newcomers to physical activity, or they often use the excuse that they don’t belong to a gym to get them out of training, but there are other options to get moving this month, and continue afterwards,” explains Naicker.
Naicker offers the following seven tips on how to get out, get moving and get healthy:
- Getting active doesn’t have to mean running a marathon or spending hours at the gym. Begin by incorporating small bursts of activity into your daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, go for a brisk walk during your lunch break, or do a quick set of bodyweight exercises before bed. These simple changes can add up over time and lay the foundation for a more active lifestyle.
- If you are interested in running or cycling why not explore your neighbourhood? Involve a friend and the two of you can discover new places together while getting healthy. Being outside is also more exciting and challenging than running on a treadmill.
- Change up your exercise routines to help keep you interested. Try out a new fitness class, such as yoga, dance, or martial arts, or experiment with outdoor activities like hiking. The key is to find activities that bring you joy and make you feel good, making it more likely that you’ll stick with them in the long run.
- Exercise doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. Get friends, family members, or coworkers involved and make movement a social experience. Plan group walks or bike rides, organise a friendly game of soccer or basketball, or join a recreational sports league in your community. Not only will you benefit from the physical activity, but you’ll also enjoy the camaraderie and support of those around you.
- “Always be prepared” should be the motto for exercise enthusiast – beginners and professionals. Exercising can put additional impact on your joints and using a joint protective range such as JointEze®, ranging from capsules to sprays to pain relief patches, all containing ingredients with natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can help to reduce joint pain and improve joint function.
- Setting goals can help keep you motivated and focused on your fitness journey. However, it’s important to set realistic and achievable goals that align with your abilities and lifestyle. Whether it’s increasing your daily step count, improving your flexibility, or training for a specific event, choose goals that inspire you and are within reach. Break them down into smaller milestones and celebrate your progress along the way.
- Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining an active lifestyle. Instead of aiming for sporadic bursts of intense activity, focus on building regular habits that you can sustain over time. Schedule time for exercise into your daily or weekly routine and treat it like any other important appointment. Whether it’s a morning jog, a lunchtime yoga class, or an evening walk with your dog, make movement a non-negotiable part of your day.
Global Move for Health Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of physical activity in promoting overall health and well-being. By embracing the spirit of this initiative and taking proactive steps to get moving, you can improve your physical fitness, boost your mood, and enhance your quality of life. So, lace up your sneakers, grab a friend, and join the movement towards a healthier, more active life.
