In combination with healthy eating, physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity improves both your immediate overall health and quality of life now and has lasting effects for the future. Staying active not only helps prevent or delay many health problems, it can help manage weight, provide energy, reduce stress, and promote a stronger mind and body.

Resources:

• Why is it Important?  
• The Basics
• The Benefits
• Physical Activity Infographic 

Physical activity is good for all individuals at all ages. Recommendations may vary depending on a person's stage of life and/or health status. If you have health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or injuries, consult your doctor about the types and amount of activity that are right for you. Even if you have not been active in a long time, you can find activities that will work for you. Remember to start slow and add a little at a time to reach your goal.

Resources:

• Physical Activity Recommendations for Children (6 to 17 Years Old)
• Physical Activity Recommendations for Adults (18 to 64 Years Old)
• Physical Activity Recommendations for Older Adults (65 Years or Older)
• Physical Activity Recommendations for Pregnant or Postpartum Women

There are four basic categories of physical activity: balance, flexibility (stretching), endurance (aerobic) and strength (resistance training). Most people tend to focus on one activity or category and think they are doing enough. Each type is different and doing them all will give you more benefits. Mixing it up also helps to reduce boredom and cut the risk of injury. See below to learn more.

Resources:

• What type of activity is best?
• Balance
• Flexibility
• Endurance
• Strength
• Sample exercises

Studies are showing a sedentary lifestyle can shorten our life and that sitting all day is taking a major toll on our health. Employees are encouraged to be more physically active throughout the day by taking the stairs, scheduling walking meetings, standing and stretching throughout the day.   

Resources:

• Sitting is the New Smoking
• Deskercise
• Stretching and Flexibility Exercises
• Strength and Balance Exercises

Add some fun to your family's schedule and plan activities together that get everyone moving. Below you will find many ideas to get you started.  

Resources:

• Active Families  
• Tips for the Whole Family
• Encourage Your Child to be Active
• Parent Tips: Be Active and Have Fun    
• Parent Tips: Activity Sheet  

To find additional local resources for physical activity in your community, visit the Well-Ahead Community Resource Guide!

We all have different ideas and goals when it comes to our physical activity. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced there is always something new to aim for or try.  

Resources:

• Barriers and Solutions to Being Active
• Develop a Plan
• 5 Steps to Get Started
• Physical Activity Tracker
• Sticking With It
• 5 Steps to Loving Exercise
• Increasing Physical Activity