After a delicious but unhealthy meal we’ve all had the attitude that starting tomorrow, things are going to be different. Perhaps you bought a juicer in anticipation of making the most healthiest kale drinks possible. Or maybe you ran out and bought a gym membership in hopes that this would motivate you to finally get over the bump and achieve those fitness goals. Unfortunately, motivation is the achilles heel when it comes to a Healthy and Active Life. We have all had the idea that we would start living a healthy life however, after two weeks we return to the fast food and sedentary lifestyle. The intention was good, the ideas were great however the motivation just wasn’t there. This is a common occurrence which is why today we present four options that will give you the active lifestyle you desire. Here are 4 tips to living a healthier, active life.

Get a Dog

According to a study completed by the University of Missouri and the University of Miami (Ohio), researchers discovered that dog owners over the age of 50 had a lower BMI, fewer chronic conditions, and visited less doctors than those that did not have a pet. What was the difference? Dog Walking. Getting a dog means having to walk the dog which immediately improves your fitness level. Walking a dog is great daily Exercise and it may be the motivational factor that you have been looking for. Dog-walking is exercise that simply doesn’t feel like exercise, which is why you should consider getting a pet if you live a sedentary lifestyle.

Use Fitness Based Technology

Data is a hot topic right now as we’re witnessing a booming industry built on information, neat charts and easy-to-understand graphs. A recent study by the University of Michigan discovered that people who have this goal-setting, self-monitoring technology would likely be motivated to exercise as opposed to people who do not use apps or wearable technology. Gadgets like the Fitbit or apps like Myfitnesspal allow for realistic goal setting and achievable targets. The visual representation of this data gives those who use technology the motivational factor to develop an exercise routine.

Take Advantage of Free Things

Gym memberships may be costly and could be the reason you’ve avoided working out all together. However, there are many free options out there that will get you on the track to a healthy, active lifestyle while not hurting your pockets. The city of Toronto for example has drop-in programs at most of their recreation centres allowing for free ice-skating, hockey, basketball, swimming, running and more. If the price is deterring you from exercise then be sure to take advantage of the free options in your city.

Increase Intensity

Time may be the reason you have been avoiding working out because let’s face it, to sacrifice 45 minutes per day to work out is a task in itself. However, that about to change thanks to researchers at McMaster University who discovered that one minute of intense exercise was similar to 45 minutes of gentler exercise. The study revealed that exercise may be all about intensity and a high intense, 10 minute routine may be comparable to an hour of moderate exercise. If time was always your excuse, then it’s time to increase the intensity and reap the benefits of a condensed exercise routine.

If you are looking for ways to increase endurance, stamina, and build a healthy active life then please visit a HealthMax Physiotherapy Clinic near you or call (416) 431-4000. Our trained fitness professionals will design a tailored treatment plan that will get you on the right track!

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