

	Physical Activity Recommendations Becoming healthier isn't just about eating healthy-it's also about physical activity. Regular physical activity is important for your overall health and fitness. It also helps you control body weight by balancing the calories you take in as food with the calories you expend each day. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. 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. About 60 minutes a day may be needed to prevent weight gain. Children and teenagers should be physically active for 60 minutes every day, or most every day. CONSIDER THIS: If you eat 100 more food calories a day than you burn, you'll gain about 1 pound in a month. That's about 10 pounds in a year. The bottom line is that to lose weight, it's important to reduce calories and increase physical activity. Don't panic! It is not that hard. Take a look at this list of activities and you will find that you exercise more than you think! In fact, being physically active may be as simple as walking around the block a couple of times. A new study from the University of Colorado suggests that walking slowly may be the best exercise for people who are considered obese. Regular exercise reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of death in the United States and will help to improve your health in the following ways: Reduces the risk of dying prematurely Reduces the risk if dying from heart disease or stroke Reduces the risk of developing diabetes Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure Helps to reduce high blood pressure in those who already have it Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer Reduces feelings of anxiety and depression Helps control weight Helps build and maintain healthy bone, muscles and joints Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling Promotes mental well-being To avoid injury and soreness, start slowly. Gradually build up to your goal while giving your body time to adjust. People with health problems or those that are over 35 years of age should talk to their doctor about their plans before they start a new exercise program. Furthermore, getting the recommended amount of physical activity does not mean spending money on a costly membership at the gym, or expensive equipment for your home. The following pages will help you find an exercise plan that works for you. Get Started Find out more about: Exercise and Diabetes Exercise and Arthritis Exercise During Pregnancy Starting a Walking Program Pilates and Yoga Using an Exercise Ball Strength Training for Beginners

Physical Activity Recommendations

Becoming healthier isn't just about eating healthy-it's also about physical activity. Regular physical activity is important for your overall health and fitness. It also helps you control body weight by balancing the calories you take in as food with the calories you expend each day.

Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
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. About 60 minutes a day may be needed to prevent weight gain.
Children and teenagers should be physically active for 60 minutes every day, or most every day.

CONSIDER THIS:

If you eat 100 more food calories a day than you burn, you'll gain about 1 pound in a month. That's about 10 pounds in a year. The bottom line is that to lose weight, it's important to reduce calories and increase physical activity.

Don't panic! It is not that hard. Take a look at this list of activities and you will find that you exercise more than you think! In fact, being physically active may be as simple as walking around the block a couple of times. A new study from the University of Colorado suggests that walking slowly may be the best exercise for people who are considered obese.

Regular exercise reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of death in the United States and will help to improve your health in the following ways:

Reduces the risk of dying prematurely
Reduces the risk if dying from heart disease or stroke
Reduces the risk of developing diabetes
Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure
Helps to reduce high blood pressure in those who already have it
Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer
Reduces feelings of anxiety and depression
Helps control weight
Helps build and maintain healthy bone, muscles and joints
Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling
Promotes mental well-being

To avoid injury and soreness, start slowly. Gradually build up to your goal while giving your body time to adjust. People with health problems or those that are over 35 years of age should talk to their doctor about their plans before they start a new exercise program.

Furthermore, getting the recommended amount of physical activity does not mean spending money on a costly membership at the gym, or expensive equipment for your home. The following pages will help you find an exercise plan that works for you.

Get Started

Find out more about: