How to Find Your Best, Most Unfussy Workout

CARDIO

Walking

With the lowest quit rate of any type of exercise, walking improves memory, well-being, heart health and even creativity.

Cycling

Cycling has been shown to increase brain connectivity, and doing it at any intensity improves a depressed mood.

Running

Going for a run improves sleep and makes bones stronger. Even just a bit of jogging–5 to 10 minutes a day–is linked to a longer life.

STRENGTH

Yoga

Lift your own body weight and flow through intense poses, and yoga will give you strength with a side of mindfulness and stress relief.

Weight training

A cheap pair of weights will build muscle and strengthen bone at any age. As an alternative, try resistance bands.

Tai chi

These slow, gentle movements might not look like much, but tai chi strengthens the back, abs and upper and lower body. It also relieves pain.

WAIT … THAT’S EXERCISE?

100

Number of extra calories per day a person can burn just by doing more active things like taking the stairs, fidgeting, singing and laughing

Heavy gardening, like digging and raking, counts as vigorous physical activity.

Doing housework a few times a week can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Standing more and sitting less is linked to a lower risk of cancer, diabetes and early death from any cause.

30%

The percentage by which people who move a lot during the day reduce their risk of early death–regardless of how much they exercise