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Get Up & Get Active!
Exercise for Healthy Detoxification
 Regular exercise is an important element in
any personal detoxification program. Physical activity stimulates
the circulatory and lymphatic systems, both of which play a vital
role in mobilizing toxins and eliminating them from the body.
The result is increased immune function and improved overall
health. Other benefits of exercise include increased muscle tone
and flexibility, enhanced energy, healthy weight management,
and even better sleep and less stress.While many people equate
exercise with simply aerobic activity, a healthy exercise program
should actually have three essential components:
- Aerobic
Activity
- Strength Training
- Stress Relief Techniques
Aerobic Activity
Aerobic exercise includes walking,
running, cycling, swimming and similar activities that stimulate
heart and lung function. Keep in mind that when you engage in
an aerobic activity, you must sustain motion for at least 15
to 20 minutes in order to obtain the greatest benefit. If exercise
has not previously been part of your daily regimen, begin with
a shorter time period (try five minutes) and work your way up
by adding an additional five minutes each week or every other
week.
While your choice of exercise is an individual
matter and should reflect your personal preferences, regular
walking and/or the use of a personal trampoline (or rebounder)
are encouraged because of their simplicity, accessibility and
proven benefits. Both are excellent ways to stimulate blood and
lymphatic circulation, which in turn helps eliminate toxins from
the body.
Strength Training
Strength training also plays
an important role in supporting the body’s natural cleansing process. Using the body’s
own weight as resistance, such activities assist with healthy
detoxification by improving circulation and stimulating the flow
of lymph to move toxins out of the body.
One particularly effective
strength training activity involves the use of lightweight resistance
bands. A resistance band is a stretchable rubber tube or flat
band device, most of which are adjustable and allow the user
to select from varying degrees of resistance based on their individual
body type and desired workout. Yoga and Pilates are also effective
strength training techniques.
Stress Relief
Exercise is not always
about just our physical bodies. In fact, it’s important
to nurture the mind-body connection with stress-reducing relaxation
techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. Finding ways
to relax and cope with stress is critical to maintaining overall
health and encouraging detoxification. In addition to stimulating
lymph flow, these techniques have been shown to help boost your
metabolism, improve your mood and even help you sleep more soundly.
Begin by experimenting with several techniques to determine which
works best for you.
Healthy Options Abound
With so many healthy
and enjoyable exercise options available today, there’s
no excuse for living a sedentary lifestyle. You no longer have
to join a gym or commit to a rigorous workout schedule to promote
healthy detoxification; you simply have to find something you
like doing that helps you stay active. And at the end of day,
the benefits will be unmistakable.
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