Move for Your Health

Spring is finally here, which means warmer weather and lots of opportunities to get outside after this horrible winter. The American Heart Association has deemed April to be Move More Month to encourage us to get moving for our health. The national obesity rate is approaching 40% in many parts of the United States. In Kansas, it’s 32.4%. Also, almost an equal percentage of Americans fall into the overweight but not yet obese category.

Get Moving

So what can you do? Move more for your health. Being more physically active can help control your weight and decrease your risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, several cancers, arthritis, and many sleep disorders.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults over the age of 18 years achieve a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week. More is even better! In addition, we need at least 2 weekly sessions of strength training activities that target major muscle groups. Flexibility and balance activities and exercises are also recommended.

Add Physical Activity to Your Day

  • At Work
    • Make it a habit to always take the stairs instead of the elevator.
    • Park farther away from the door to your office building.
    • Walk during your breaks and at lunch.
    • Set a reminder on your phone to get up and move often.
    • Keep small hand weights or a resistance band at your desk to do some quick and easy strengthening activities.
  • At Home
    • Involve all of the family in household and yard chores. Walk the dog together, wash the car, do yard work, clean the house. The work gets done quicker and everyone benefits from the additional activity. Then you have more time to play!
    • During every TV commercial, drop and do some push-ups, planks, sit-ups or other quick exercises.
    • Have a family dance party; put some music on and dance around the house.
  • Other Suggestions
    • Plan family outings around physical activity, like hiking, cycling or going to a zoo or park.
    • Spring is here and recreational leagues are beginning. Sign up to learn a new sport or one that you enjoyed when you were younger. There are usually adult leagues for most sports.

Related Blog Posts

Outdoor Fitness: Soak Up the Spring Sunshine for a Healthier You

As winter thaws and the vibrant colors of spring emerge, there's no better time to revitalize your fitness routine and prioritize your health by incorporating outdoor exercise. After months of hibernation indoors, the great outdoors is calling, offering opportunities to…...

Celebrate National Nutrition Month: 5 Steps for a Healthier You

March is National Nutrition Month. It’s a time to focus on developing healthy eating and physical activity habits you can follow all year long. Choosing nutritious foods and getting enough exercise can make a significant difference in your health. This…...

The Power of Movement: 5 Ways Exercise Boosts Your Health

In our fast-paced world, finding time for exercise can be challenging. However, the numerous health benefits of regular physical activity make it crucial to maintaining overall well-being. Here are five reasons to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. 1. Improved…...

Navigating Holiday Parties: A Healthy Survival Guide

The festive season is upon us, and with it comes a whirlwind of holiday parties, family gatherings, and celebrations. While it's a time of joy and merriment, it can also pose challenges to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Fear not, as…...
View More Posts