There are so many different ways to exercise it is difficult to name the best method. But as you know, doing any form of activity beats sitting on the couch and remaining sedentary especially where Type 2 diabetes is concerned. There is a price to pay for a sedentary lifestyle. Factor in a poor diet and you have a recipe for a multitude of health problems.
For now, let us deal with physical activity. If you are looking for new ideas or would like to try different ways to exercise, be sure to consider the following…
1. Jumping Jacks. Jumping jacks are not just a warm-up exercise. They can also serve as a full workout. The good thing about jumping jacks is you can do them anywhere; 15 minutes alone is enough to work up a good sweat.
2. The Rowing Machine. Nowadays, most modern gyms tend to have a rowing machine. They do not get as much attention as treadmills so you might see them in the corner of the cardio machines section.
Do not overlook them. They are a great way to get a full-body workout.
3. Push-Ups. Push-ups are a staple in any resistance training routine for a good reason. They are great at engaging the muscles of your upper body. What’s more, is there are several different ways to do them.
4. Wall Sits. Wall sits are a forgotten home exercise because they do not require much movement which means most other workouts burn more calories. But this is not a good reason to exclude wall sits from a routine. They are an isometric exercise (engaging muscles without contracting or stretching them), meaning they are great for functional purposes.
Wall sits work your lower body muscles in a way few other exercises do.
5. Squats. To build on wall sits, next we have squats. Squats can be done anywhere, with or without weights. As far as resistance training goes, they might be the best full body exercise there is.
6. Planks. Planks are a great exercise to strengthen your core and posture. What is your excuse for not doing three sets of these every day?
7. Carrying Dumbbells while on your Walk. Walking on its own is a great way to exercise. Why not change it up a bit, and add a couple of light dumbbells? You can do shoulder presses and bicep curls with them as you walk to increase your caloric expenditure.
8. Jump Rope. Practically everyone has jumped rope at some time in their life. It is perhaps the most inexpensive exercise equipment available. Arguably, it provides the best cardio you could do as well.
9. Take the Stairs. If you work in a building with multiple floors, why not take the stairs every time you enter and leave? Small things like these do add up.
10. Park far, far away. Lastly, you should get in the habit of parking at the very edge of the parking lot every time you are out in your car. The benefit is not burning more calories – it is about lowering your level of laziness. Starting with this move will spill over into other areas, and help you become a more active person.
While your exercise program does not have to be ambitious, it does need a commitment. Every prediabetic or Type 2 diabetic must exercise.