Move your body daily doing something you enjoy

Somewhere along the way “exercise” became a negative term, something that many people fear and avoid. I guess it’s not really that surprising with phrases like “No Pain No Gain” and “Just Do It” associated with exercise. Those phrases are motivating to many but can have the opposite effect on others especially those who aren’t naturally drawn to physical activity.

When the focus is on improving one’s health and well-being moving your body daily is what is important and choosing to do something you like makes it enjoyable and easier for physical activity to become a healthy habit. If you have a hard time coming up with an activity, think back to things you liked to do as child such as riding a bike, swimming, or dancing.

Recommended Guidelines for the General Population:

• Minimum of 150 minutes weekly of moderate intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity, or a combination of both
• Include at least 2 days of muscle strengthening activities

We are all at a different place with our level of physical activity.  If these recommendations seem out of reach, start with a 10- minute walk twice a day. As a bonus if you take that walk right after a meal you will also aide digestion and limit the glucose spike that comes after eating. Your body will thank you with even a little bit of daily movement.

Learn more by reading the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.