Choose enjoyment. Choose accessibility.
More important than just thinking about how much we can decrease our HbA1c levels or reduce our insulin needs is to think about how we can maximize the chances of making physical activity part of our daily routine. I can highlight two things that are going to make this easier:
Choose enjoyment
We are more likely to feel motivated to exercise if we enjoy or have an interest in a particular kind of physical activity. So, aiming to do what we like doing the most is in general a good strategy. If that is going outside for a run or playing football with friends, or going to the gym to lift some weights, all are absolutely fine.
Choose accessibility
If you are unsure about what kind of exercise you would like to do, look around you. Evaluate what the nature or the infrastructure around where you live or work can offer. If you are the type of person that doesn’t enjoy exercising alone, check out the sports clubs or groups that are active in your area. Making the act of exercising logistically easier and more fun are excellent ways to help turning exercise routine.
How much exercise is recommended?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults to undertake at least 150-300 min of moderate-intensity, or 75-150 min of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week (or an equivalent combination of both).
Nevertheless, scientific studies have shown that the benefits of exercising can be further potentiated by doing more of it than what is referenced by the WHO.
Ideally, there should be no more than two consecutive days of no physical activity.
It is important to keep in mind that it has been well-established that doing some physical activity is better than doing none at all. This means that there will be health benefits associated to performing physical activity even if below the time or intensities recommended by the current guidelines.
Making activity part of your life
Physical activity can be done within a wide spectrum of intensities. Even moderate levels of physical activity are associated with a healthier and longer life in people living with diabetes. It doesn’t take too much to reap the health benefits of exercising – it really is an outstanding cost-effective investment strategy in ourselves.
The incorporation of exercise in our life and making it routine requires some discipline and will take time out of your day – but studies show that for a large proportion of people, exercise becomes something they enjoy doing and an important part of their life.
If in the past, some forms of exercising were just too unpleasant for you, there are ways to find other activities that can help you achieve the levels of physical activity that you are aiming for.
Introducing exercise in your daily life is something that you can do step-by-step. Keep in mind that this is time invested in yourself. A healthier and longer life is a healthier and longer life with the people who you love. Soon enough, you will find the benefits and enjoyment of being physically active and will not want to go back.