Getting into a workout routine isn’t the easiest thing to do. And it’s even harder if you’ve been put on medical rest due to an illness or injury. The good news, however, is that it’s easy to take baby steps to get yourself back into an exercise routine. There are many activities you can do in your home, outdoors, or at a community gym to help you build up your stamina again. So we’d like to share some of our favorite activities with you to get you started with a new workout routine. Before we begin, we’d like to remind you to check with your physician before you begin a new workout program. This is especially important if you’ve had surgery or a serious illness such as cancer.

Walking

Walking is a great activity for so many reasons. When you walk on a regular basis it helps improve blood circulation, strengthens muscles and joints, and helps you maintain a healthy weight. The best part is that you can do it virtually anywhere. Take a walk around your neighborhood, do a few laps around your home, or jump on a treadmill at your gym. Start by walking small distances. As your body gets stronger and builds endurance, increase your distances. Make walking more fun by bringing a friend along. What a great way to exercise and catch up on each other’s lives at the same time!

Swimming

Swimming is a wonderful activity and is very refreshing on a hot day. This activity is great for heart health—it’s by far one of the best cardio activities you can do besides running. And when you swim, you are working all of your muscles and getting a full body workout. This activity is perfect for people who are healing from injuries or those who can’t put a ton of stress on the body. The reason… it’s one of the lowest impact exercises you can do. Many gyms or community centers such as the YMCA have pools you can access for a small fee. Better yet, find a friend or family member with a pool and schedule a swimming date!

Yoga

Yoga is all the rave almost everywhere. So why not give it a try? Especially because it’s been proven to help keep you flexible, build muscle, drop blood pressure, and regulate your adrenal glands. This activity is great because it allows you to start slow and move at your own pace. As time goes on, you’ll build endurance and progress to more advanced yoga techniques. Many gyms and fitness centers offer yoga classes for beginners. You can also find yoga videos in stores or on YouTube to do at home. All of these activities are fun, come with valuable health benefits, and will put you on the path to becoming a stronger and healthier individual. So what are you waiting for? Grab a friend, and with your doctor’s permission, get going!

What’s your favorite exercise activity?

Comment below!