Fitness and mobility are crucial aspects of overall wellbeing1, they contribute to improved cardiovascular health, weight management, enhanced flexibility, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. By incorporating fitness and mobility exercises into your routine, you might be able to increase your strength, energy levels and overall quality of life2.
Set Achievable Fitness Goals
To kick-start your fitness journey, it's essential to set realistic and achievable goals3. Whether your aim is to lose weight, build muscle, or simply increase your daily activity level, having specific targets helps you stay motivated and track your progress effectively. Start with small milestones and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
Engage in Regular Cardiovascular Exercises
Cardiovascular exercises are excellent for improving fitness and mobility4. Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, or dancing get your heart rate up and improve cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio exercises per week to reap the maximum benefits5.
Strength Training for Better Mobility
Strength training plays a vital role in enhancing mobility and overall fitness6. It helps build muscle mass, improves bone density, and increases joint stability. Include exercises like weightlifting, bodyweight exercises or resistance training to target different muscle groups.
Incorporate Flexibility and Stretching Exercises
Flexibility exercises are essential for maintaining mobility and preventing injuries7. Regular stretching routines improve muscle elasticity, joint range of motion and posture.
Balance and Stability Training
Enhancing balance and stability is crucial for maintaining mobility and preventing falls, especially as we age8. Engage in exercises like Tai Chi, yoga or specific balance-training exercises to improve stability and reduce the risk of injuries.
Stay Consistent and Enjoy the Process
Consistency is key when it comes to improving fitness and mobility. Make exercise a regular part of your routine and find activities that you enjoy. Whether it's dancing, hiking or playing a sport, engaging in activities you love increases motivation and makes the process more enjoyable.
Remember, small steps lead to significant changes, so start today and reap the benefits of an active and mobile life.
MetLife 360Health Fitness & Mobility
MetLife 360Health offers fitness and mobility support through its Fitness and Mobility Service to help you improve your general health and fitness, or it can also support your recovery from injury or surgery.
Find out how you can access the service as a MetLife customer.
And, as a MetLife customer it's all part of your insurance offer so there's no additional fees or costs.
References
- Centres for Disease Control and Prevention: Benefits of physical activity
- Mayo Clinic – Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
- Healthdirect: Goal Setting
- Heart Foundation Australia: "Physical Activity"
- Australian Government Department of Health & Aged Care: Physical activity guidelines
- Mayo Clinic - Strength training: Get stronger, leaner, healthier
- Back in Motion Health Group: Why is stretching so important?
- Australian Physiotherapy Association: Falls prevention in Australian Residential Aged Care
If you have a health or medical concern, please seek professional medical advice immediately
The information provided in this blog (the Content) is general information only and is not health or medical advice. If you have a health or medical concern, please seek professional medical advice immediately. 360Health services are provided by a third party, Teladoc Health Pty Limited which is a separate and independent entity to MetLife Insurance Limited (ABN 75 004 274 882, AFSL No. 238096) (MetLife). While the Content is based on resources that MetLife believes to be well-documented, MetLife is not responsible for the accuracy of the Content, and you rely on the Content at your own risk. Each person’s condition and health circumstances are unique, and therefore the Content may not apply to you. The Content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult your licensed health care professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition and before starting or changing your health regimen, including seeking advice regarding what drugs, diet, exercise routines, physical activities or procedures are appropriate for your particular condition and circumstances.
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