Exercise: A Daily Routine

For diabetics, both type one and type two, it is important that exercise is a part of the daily routine. But this is essential in everyone's lives as well. It can be difficult and even dangerous to do a lot of strenuous moving outside during these hot summer months. However, it is still imperative that exercise is performed. Here are some helpful tips that I read about that have helped me. (This is not all my own ideas or writing.)

Use a Pedometer

You can use a pedometer to track how many steps you take each day. Experts suggest you build up to 10,000 steps a day (5 miles).

Here’s how to start:

~ First, check how many steps you do now. Wear the pedometer for a week or two. Find out the average steps you take each day

   ~ Once you know your starting point, try to up your daily average by 500 steps every couple weeks.

~ Before you know it, you’ll hit 10,000 steps a day!

Quick Tips

~ Stretch for 5-10 minutes before and after every walk.

~ Keep a good posture. Gaze forward, not down at the ground, with your chin level and head up.

~ Stay hydrated by drinking 8 ounces of water before you begin your walk.

~ Wear shoes designed for walking for greater comfort and injury prevention.

~ Your walks don’t have to be long and strenuous to be beneficial. A walk to the store or through the mall counts too.

Be Safe: Don’t forget: important

~ Wear your diabetes I.D.

~ Check your blood glucose before exercise (If it’s too low (under 80 mg/dL), eat a piece of fruit, a few crackers, or glass of milk.)

~ Check your blood glucose after exercise 

~ Carry a snack to eat if you’ll be active for a few hours.

Did You Know?

By walking just an extra five minutes a day you can burn an additional 24 calories per workout. That may not seem like much, but over the course of one year it adds up to a total of 8,760 additional calories burned.

"You were bought at a price [Jesus death on the cross]. Therefore honor God with your body." ~1 Corinthians 6:20