Activity & Exercise

As a group, Americans are one of the most inactive populations in the world. The experts discuss the reasons for this, study our behavior, analyze data, and so forth. The bottom line is that the experts and each of us as individuals all agree that some sort of exercise and activity once a day, or at least 3 times a week, can lead to better health.

So why don’t we exercise, walk, get a little more fit? WE CAN DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT, invest in ourselves. Try it for just 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week to start with. Walk 1 mile each time.

Now is the time to Join this Web Site and start tracking your activity. You will find hundreds of activities that can be tracked, distance recorded, and your own personal records kept. It is easy to use and don't forget - invite a friend to join you. Join now and begin your journey to a healthier you.

Think Fun

Make a list of fun activities that you enjoy and look forward to doing that help you get a little exercise and movement during the day. "Working Out" tends to make us think of how painful and boring getting exercise can be to those of us who don't have an exercise program now. There will most likely be a place for "working out" for all of us down the road as we change our exercise habits, but here are some ideas on how to start slow, simple, and make it fun:

• Park farther away when you go to the store, mall or work.
• Pay inside, instead of paying at the pump.
• Walk your dog - everyday.
• During your break at the office, walk for 10 minutes.
• If you have a layover at an airport, take a walk around the terminal.
• Take the stairs, not the escalator.
• Walk around the mall before and after you shop.
• Join a dance class.
• Thinking about going to a movie, go to a park and enjoy a walk.

Getting into a normal exercise routine that you can enjoy will lead to other exercise options for you. Maybe a 5K walk or join a fitness club at one of the fine locations in our community. Remember, the goal is to work into a program that you enjoy and that is right for you.

Experts will tell you that: 

• Increasing the intensity or the amount of time that you are physically active can have even greater health benefits and may be needed to control body weight. See the Advanced page of this web site.
• We should encourage children and teenagers to be physically active for at least 60 minutes each day, or almost every day. See the Children and Exercise page of this web site. 

Before starting any physical activity program consult your healthcare professional or physician.