National Physical Fitness & Sports Month
It’s May and I can’t believe how fast this year is going by. May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. I think it’s a great time to spread the word about the benefits of getting active. Regular physical activity is good for everyone’s health. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a day for adults, 60 minutes for children, at least five days a week.
Some of the significant benefits of physical activity in adults include, stress reduction/relaxation, improvement in energy levels and moods, maintenance of strong bones and joints, and prevention of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. In older adults, physical activity can lower the risk of falls and improve cognitive functioning (like learning and judgment skills) and prevent depression.
Here are some ways to get your body moving:
-Join the gym.
-Join a community sports league—softball, soccer, or basketball. You will have fun and get your exercise in at the same time.
– Engage your kids. Toss a football across the yard, kick a soccer ball through a park, or take turns swatting a baseball with a bat and running to get the ball.
– take after dinner walks or do family bike rides.
-choose the stairs over the escalator or elevator.
– Walk the dog with the whole family.
– Instead of calling friends, take a walk together to catch up.
-Park your car as far away as possible so you have to walk a longer distance from your destination.
-Get off the bus or subway one stop early and walk the rest of the way.
-Walk the golf course instead of using a cart.
-Replace a coffee break with an outdoor walk.
-Plant and care for a vegetable garden.
-Sign up for dance lessons with a friend.
It’s time to be active, get healthy, and have some fun! Whatever your fitness level, get moving in May and beyond. Your body will thank you.#MoveinMay