Complete 1 Hour or More of Physical Activity Every Day
Importance of increasing physical activity
Regular physical activity is essential for weight maintenance and prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and osteoporosis. While most school age children are quite active, physical activity sharply declines during adolescence. Children who are raised in families with active lifestyles are more likely to stay active as adults than children raised in families with sedentary lifestyles.
Want to get kids moving?!
Looking for fun and innovative ways to get your kids off the couch and active? We have plenty of easy and new ways that you can get your kids active at home!
Quick Healthy Tips
Make gradual changes to increase your physical activity levels.
Do short amounts of activity several times a day until they add up to 60 minutes each day.
Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.
Try tracking the level of your physical activity using a pedometer - there are even free apps you can download!
Try a video game that helps burn calories like Dance Dance Revolution, Wii Fit, Dance Central, or Kinect. It’s all about movement and fun!
Choose toys and games for children that promote physical activity.
Keep physical activity fun!
Exercise and Stress
If you are stressed out, you probably know it. But did you know that exercise is one of the best ways to deal with stress? Exercise helps your mind and body!
Stress produces chemicals in your body that make you feel edgy and tense. You heart beats faster. Your muscles tighten. You breathe harder, and your blood pressure goes up.
Exercise reduces stress-related chemicals in the body. It can reduce muscle tension and take your mind off problems.
For most of us, aerobic exercise is the best all-around stress reducer. To get the stress-reducing benefits, work out hard enough that you lightly sweat and your heart beats faster, but not so hard that you can’t talk while you are exercising.
Easy Ways to Add Activity
Climb the stairs, skip the elevator.
Take an after-dinner walk with family.
Park your car at the end of the parking lot and walk a bit further.
Make an activity date with a friend. Instead of just meeting for lunch, play basketball, tennis, or hit a yoga class.
Start your morning with a brisk walk or jog and you’ll feel better all day!
Make family time activity time
Turn your coffee break into a walking break. Even 10 minutes of activity can improve your mood and reduce stress.
Take your dog for a longer walk than normal.
Don’t just watch sports, play them!
Like to watch TV? Then multi-task and put an exercise machine in front of your TV or do muscle-strengthening activities.
Try a new workout video.
Put some elbow grease into yard work.
Why is Activity Needed?
Physical activity is important for both immediate and long-term health benefits.
Being physically active can help you:
- Meet new people or spend time with friends.
- Increase your chances of living longer.
- Maintain or achieve a healthy weight.
- Strengthen your muscles and bones.
- Feel better about yourself.
- Sleep better at night.
- Have more fun!
