Tips for Staying Active this Season
- chriscadenaca8
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
There are many benefits to physical activity. Moving your body gives you energy, reduces stress, increases strength, and maintains your mobility as you age. It helps prevent chronic diseases including cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Being active also reduces stress and gives you more energy.
Studies recommend 150 minutes of movement each week for most adults with no medical conditions. The exercise should include moderate aerobic activity and movements and classes that strengthen your muscles. This could include a walk around your neighbourhood, yoga, lifting weights, or a group activity.
Here are some tips to get moving this warm-weather season:
Program a "date" for a fitness routine. Maybe a trip to the park into your schedule, a group class or a weight lifting session of 30 minutes added to your calendar could help you commit to with your exercise time.
Move more. What if instead of driving or taking public transit, you use active transportation to get to the office or an appointment or to do your errands? If it's not available, try parking several blocks from your destination or get off the bus 2-3 stops early so you can walk a bit.
Try screen-free more often. Limit the time you spend watching TV, playing video games or using your computer or cell phone during your off-work hours. Experts also recommend to limit sedentary time to 8 hours or less, which includes no more than 3 hours of recreational screen time and breaking up long periods of sitting as often as possible.
Be more social. Joining a team or class to keep you on track. It's less likely to skip a session if you have other people expecting you at a group class plus you'll make new friends while you get active.
If you are building up your physical activity level, you could start with something easy like a light walk through the park, and if you are new to an activity or sport, don't be intimidated to try something new. There are also always beginners' classes you can join.
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