Regular aerobic, cardio-vascular exercise and strength resistance training are a massive help in your journey to optimum health and wellbeing.
Our lives are generally far too sedentary; we are designed to move, so anything you can do to regularly move and stretch your body in a fun and enjoyable way will be of great benefit to you; and of course the endorphin release from exercise is always a most welcome well-being enhancer!
The benefits also extend beyond just your body. Exercise can be combined with experiencing and exploring nature, which is good for the soul.
My journey back to health Back in 2010, I was struck by a type of polio virus from a swimming pool. The experience had me bed-bound for months and getting back to a point of normal mobility and health has been a long and tough journey. There is a quote that motivated me when I started to walk again: “If all you can do is crawl – then crawl!” I loved that and it really inspired me and kept me going.
Starting small, I began to go for short walks in nature. All I could manage was a few very small steps before I would collapse - even at a slow pace. But I kept it going. I was determined to improve and found the power of the nature that surrounded me to be very healing.
Now, my exercise of choice is a good walk in nature for at least 30 minutes, 5 times a week. It’s simple and low impact, but an effective solution for mind and body. I top that up with work on the ‘rebounder’, which I discuss in more detail below. Getting the right kind of exercise will help you to move your lymphatic system and sweat, thereby moving excess acids out through the skin.
A little more energetic In my own rehabilitation process, I discovered rebounding – which is an indoor, low-key version of using a trampoline. I found this to be absolutely amazing – and most importantly fun!
I chose rebounding as my primary exercise for rehabilitation because it was gentle to my back and body as a whole, but medically proven to be one of the best forms of exercise because of its low impact on the body.
It exercises every muscle in your body – just like swimming - and gives you the benefit of cardio-vascular training without skeletal shock. It even helps with lymphatic drainage. According to NASA, it’s “The most efficient and effective exercise yet devised by man.”
For the very best rebounders please visit the Bellicon website at https://www.bellicon.com/gb_en/.
Don’t forget, exercise shouldn’t just be a solo activity. In fact, additional support from family and loved ones will spur you on and make you considerably less likely to give it up.
You might consider sports like tennis and badminton as options that can be as intense, or otherwise, as you make them. Up to four people can get involved all at once and the incentive of minor goals, like getting to the ball each time, can spur you into being more active than you otherwise would be.
As I began to get fitter during my recovery, I took up golf lessons. I came to love unwinding with a round and the real beauty of the sport is that you don’t notice the miles you’re clocking up! Most larger golf clubs have a short course or option to play just some of the holes, which I found particularly helpful as I built up my endurance. Walking is another great family option. Wherever you are, there’s bound to be walks within reasonable reach. Pack up a picnic (after reading our nutrition guidance!) and set out for the day and take a steady walk – you’ll be amazed how invigorated the fresh air and exercise will make you feel!