Saturday 18 June 2016

Jinghong Song - Staying Active

Born in the Midwest, Jinghong Song grew up spending his time outdoors enjoying each season and the wide array of activities they would bring. With milder climates than most Northern states, he was able to comfortably enjoy winter and usually catch some snowfall yet still take part in summer to its fullest. Now as an adult, Jinghong still enjoys spending his time outdoors and knows the importance of staying physically active. Staying physically active doesn’t have to be a chore. Recognizing opportunities in everyday activities to stay active can make exercise a routine part of the day. Aiming for at least thirty minutes of physical exercise each day can provide numerous health benefits to people of any age. If you are able to occasionally incorporate more strenuous workout activities for added health benefits.  

There are activities that may not immediately register as exercise but can people reap the benefits of physical fitness. Staying fit can prolong life, lead to a decrease in risks for heart disease, cancer, and numerous other diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Staying active can improve the quality of a person’s life as well. Although some people may not be able to physically participate in rigorous activities, maintaining physical fitness should be a priority for everyone. 

Besides walking, there are other ways of staying fit that are low impact for those who may find extensive walking more difficult. Swimming is a great low-impact activity for those who want to get moving but may have ailments that potentially hold them back! Swimming often uses more muscles than many other forms of exercise but is easier on the body than running or other forms of more strenuous workouts.

Simple actions like taking the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator, parking further back from a store entrance in a parking lot, or taking a walk after dinner each night can help one lead a healthier life. Breaking up long periods of sitting with some sort of physical movement, taking short walks, for instance, is important as well, especially for those who may sit behind a desk at work for much of the day.

For people like Jinghong Song, physical fitness is now an everyday part of life. Song has always enjoyed playing sports, especially in his childhood, and continues to play recreationally as a young adult. The benefits of fitness far extend the basic desire to stay in shape. Those who work out on a regular basis often report fewer issues with depression and more regular sleep patterns. Playing baseball and football casually with friends or co-workers is not only a great way to maintain fitness but also serves as an excellent form of team building as well.