This National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, challenge yourself to include at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
Did you know that regular physical activity increases your chances of living a longer, healthier life? It also reduces your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and some types of cancer. Yet here in Maryland, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports only about 65% of adults get enough physical activity (PDF) [Tweet this statistic.] . In fact, the same data show nearly ¼ of all adults get no physical activity in their leisure time. For high school students, just 16% are considered physically active and only 15% participate in daily physical education classes.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that people:
- Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Moderate activity includes things like walking fast, dancing, swimming, and raking leaves.
- Do muscle-strengthening activities – like lifting weights and using exercise bands – at least 2 days a week.
Wondering where you’ll find the time for all of this activity? The CDC created these schedules (PDF) to make it a little less daunting.
If you haven’t been active in a while, please check in with your primary care physician before starting any exercise program. You don’t want to kick off a new healthy habit only to be sidelined with an injury.
Not sure how to tackle muscle strengthening exercises? Check out these videos from the CDC. The two sets show you how you can strengthen your muscles at home or at the gym.
If you’re apprehensive about adopting a more active lifestyle, the exercise experts at FMH ProMotion Fitness+ (formerly Medical Fitness) are standing by to help. Recently relocated to a new space with brand new equipment at FMH Crestwood, ProMotion Fitness+ offers its members personal attention and guidance from degreed exercise physiologists and nurses. The program can help you stay safe as you establish a more active lifestyle and help you get the most out of the time you spend exercising.
No matter what shape you are in, together we can rise to the challenge to get more active during the month of May!
{ 0 comments }






