How to exercise without really exercising

In this instructive op-ed, Dr Jason Kaplan explains how individuals can ensure they stay physically limber without putting in too much effort.

Incidental exercise

Try walking as often as possible, whether it’s using the stairs at work, walking to work or home from the school run, or parking further away at the shops. Even standing at your desk (try setting an alarm on your computer to remind you to stand regularly), whilst on the phone, or on the train or bus can decrease your waist measurements and risk of several health issues, including cardiovascular disease. Taking 10,000 steps a day may seem daunting if you think it needs to be done on top of your usual day. But incidental exercise – the movements you make throughout the day – have been shown to be as beneficial to your health as a dedicated work out.

Take a nap

Short naps during the day aren’t an indulgence, it has been shown to be good for lowering your blood pressure. A recent study found that a midday nap can lower the blood pressure as effectively as reducing salt and alcohol from your diet.

Take up a hobby

Hobbies have been shown to have numerous benefits in people’s daily lives, one of which improves overall health and wellbeing. Yoga, in particular, has been found to help reduce cortisol levels and inflammation within the body, while improving cardiovascular health. Yoga, walking or tai chi involve gentle movements, and by doing them habitually, can turn a hobby into a healthy pastime.

Do ‘secret’ exercise

Typically, our bodies naturally convert CoQ10 into Ubiquinol, a necessary process to help our bodies function well on a cellular level. However, as we get older our bodies’ process to do this slows down. Exercise performance can be affected by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Ubiquinol can help lower oxidative damage, promote exercise capacity and decrease fatigue.

A daily Ubiquinol supplement may be the answer: research shows that Ubiquinol could support optimal heart health, natural cellular energy production, help prevent oxidative stress damage and replenish Ubiquinol levels naturally. Put simply, this means you’ll have more energy for activities, whether they’re intense or gentle.

Dr Ross Walker is a cardiologist based in Sydney.