Exercising is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Many people seek out strenuous exercise routines, as they believe that “no pain, no gain” is necessary for maintaining their cardiovascular health. However, recent research suggests that you can maintain good cardiovascular health without participating in overly strenuous exercise.
Non-Exercise Physical Activity: An Alternative to Strenuous Exercise
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that non-exercise physical activity could be as beneficial for cardiovascular health and longevity as traditional workouts. Non-exercise physical activity includes any activity that involves movement and muscle engagement, such as taking out the trash, playing with the dog, cooking a meal, or gardening.
Engaging in non-exercise physical activity not only helps to move your muscles but also move stress and anxiety out of your system. Spending 15 minutes to relax your mind and engage your muscles in activities such as tidying up or playing with your dog may actually help you live longer. Organizing and cleaning your living space can also help reduce anxiety and depression.
It’s important to simply engage your body more by participating in non-exercise physical activities, as it’s hard to overdo them. Gentle forms of exercise such as yoga, tai chi, and chi gong are also great alternatives to strenuous exercise, as these moving meditations help strengthen the body while increasing calmness and reducing anxiety and depression.
Supplementing Your Movement to Support Your Body
If you do decide to engage in more intense physical activity, there are ways to protect your body from the wear and tear of strenuous workouts. Extended exercise can cause inflammation and lactic acid buildup that can be painful and debilitating. However, certain supplements and nutrients can help counteract these inflammatory effects.
Botanical extract honokiol, for example, has been shown to reduce inflammation after exercise and help ease muscle recovery. Extracted from Magnolia bark, honokiol has been used as a complementary cancer therapy, stress reducer, and neuro-protector.
Your body also relies on glutamine, one of the 20 amino acids that make up proteins, to help balance lactic acid during workouts. L-Glutamine supplementation can help your body mechanisms to rebalance lactic acid in the muscles. Other amino acids that can aid recovery are leucine, valine, and isoleucine.
In addition to these supplements, it’s important to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs post-workout. Eating lean protein within 30 minutes after exercising is key, as well as replenishing electrolytes such as calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Vitamins E and C are also important antioxidant vitamins that support muscle recovery.
The Benefits of a Non-Strenuous Approach to Exercise
While many people want to experience the health benefits and “runner’s high” feeling from extreme exercise, they might not want the oxidative stress and muscle inflammation that comes with it. In such cases, incorporating non-exercise physical activities, gentle forms of exercise, and targeted supplements into your routine can support cardiovascular health and have a positive impact on stress reduction, longevity, and vitality.
For more health and wellness information, visit reputable health websites such as the American Heart Association and the Mayo Clinic.
