Increasing your level of physical activity can reward you in so many ways. Gaining strength, sleeping better, improving your mood, and toning up your muscles are only a few of the benefits of exercise. For people with high cholesterol, exercise is an excellent way to help you lose weight and change your lipid profile. Vigorous aerobic exercise such as running or cycling can increase your level of "good" cholesterol (the HDL) and lower your triglycerides dramatically.
In fact, exercise and nutrition go hand in hand, and it is never too late to start working in a good workout. With high cholesterol, your body may be carrying around more fat than muscle. So it is important to include strength training in your exercise program. And strength training can be done in the comfort of your home, such as by using free
hand weights while you watch television, doing the bodyweight squat when you stop for a break on your walks, practicing your negative sit-up when you have a spare moment at the office, or doing some abdominal crunches before you call it a night.
There are many physical activity ideas that are simple and easy to include in your daily routine. And if you enjoy meditation as a way to clear your mind, you can combine it with exercise by doing yoga.
Taking care of yourself and exercising is not as hard as it seems - you just have to find out what you like and develop a plan to get started. You'll be well on your way to a healthier way of life and a clean bill of health.