Being physically active is an important part of your health & it doesn’t have to be difficult. The trick is finding activities you enjoy & that fit into your lifestyle. There are many ways to be active & it’s easy to get started. Here are a few simple steps on how to start being active.
1. Start slow
If you have not been active in a while, add activities gradually, not all at once. It is a good idea to start with 5 to 10-minute sessions at first & slowly increase the length of time & difficulty of activities. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any activity plan to make sure it is appropriate for you.
2. Make a plan
Setting goals will help you feel more motivated to be active. Think about your main goal & then set smaller goals that will help you reach it. For example, if your ultimate goal is to walk a 5k (3.1 miles) in a few months, start with walking a half-mile or 10 minutes for 3 days a week & then slowly add time or distance to your walks until you reach your goal.
Write down your plan to meet your goal in a journal or calendar & check off the steps you have completed. If you notice you are not meeting some of your smaller goals, think about what is preventing you. It is OK to change your goals & your plan to make it realistic for your life. Adjusting your plan will help you stay active. And once you reach your big goal for being active, set a new goal!
3. Aim for 30 minutes
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 30 minutes of physical activity each day for adults. Your 30 minutes of being active do not have to be all at once or all the same activity! Several activity sessions that are 5 or 10 minutes at a time are just as good. Try 10 minutes of morning yoga, 10 minutes of using the stairs at work, & 10 minutes of walking the dog after dinner or whichever activities you enjoy!
4. Mix up the activities and setting
It is important to choose activities that you enjoy & work for you so you’ll be more likely to stick with it. But don’t be afraid to try new activities! Ask your kids, family, or friends what activities they like to do & ask them to teach you. Find activities that you can do at home when the weather is poor like dancing, squats, or resistance band exercises. Try to incorporate different activities & different places to be active to keep things interesting!
It is also important to include aerobic, and muscle & bone-strengthening activities in your routine. Aerobic activities are activities that raise your heart rate, like walking quickly. Activities like squats, weight lifting or resistance training strengthen your muscles & bones. Vary your activities for a healthy body all around.
5. Stretch
Incorporate stretching into your active lifestyle. Stretching after being active improves your flexibility & can reduce your risk of cramping or injury. Stretching also improves your circulation. To get your muscle ready, warm up for several minutes before stretching. Be sure to only stretch as far as you feel comfortable.
More Info
Staying active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Find activities that work for you & don’t be afraid to try new things! Always be sure to check with your doctor before starting a new activity program. For more information & ideas on being active check here: