Become More Physically Active -- YOUR OWN WAY

Now that the beautiful spring weather has arrived, you might be thinking, "This is a good time to get more physically active".  Unfortunately, the next thought is often, "Maybe I will start tomorrow!"  You are not alone.  Even though most Americans know that physical activity is good for their health, only 1 in 5 actually include physical activity in their daily routine.

This really IS a good time to become more physically active. May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.  You will find lots of information and encouragement throughout the month to help you get started. Look for new events and activities in your community that promote physical activity and healthy eating.  Schools and community recreation programs also will be making an extra effort to promote physical activity this month.

Another way to get started on your goal of becoming more physically active is to sign up for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA).  This is a 6 week program to provide the information you need (and the motivation) to become more active.

Log on to https://www.presidentschallenge.org.  This is a great website. It offers a newsletter as well as information on setting goals, healthy eating, becoming more active, ways to celebrate success and much more.

One of the great things about becoming more physically active is there is no "right" way to do it.  You can reach your physical activity goals in your own way.  By choosing activities you enjoy doing, you are likely to make activity a daily habit.

You need 30 minutes of activity 5 days a week.  Here are some activities (moderate exercise) for you to consider including in your daily routine:

• Walking the dog (briskly)
• Walking your kids to school
• Walking with co-workers during your lunch hour
• Dancing 
• General gardening (raking, trimming shrubs, etc.)
• Biking on level ground or with few hills
• Playing with your kids at the playground
• Playing sports that involve catching and throwing (baseball, softball, volleyball, etc.)

You can probably think of many more kinds of physical activity.  The important thing is thing to get started today, find out what works for you, and make it part of your daily routine.  Become more physically active YOUR OWN way!