Make Your Move: Celebrate the Benefits of Exercise

The benefits of staying active are endless! The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week to help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia, Alzheimer’s and several types of cancer.

If that’s not enough incentive, here are a few more reasons to get moving in 2021!

Good for the Body and the Soul
Exercise is an excellent way to boost your mood and decrease stress. Physical activity also helps increase endorphins in the brain.

Maintain Healthy Weight
If you’re just getting started, work your way up to 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, such as 30 minutes a day, five days a week. When done in conjunction with a healthy eating plan, regular physical activity helps with losing weight and keeping it off.

Live Longer
Staying physically active can lower mortality rates by 33% over those who are physically inactive. Simple actions such as parking further from your destination, briskly cleaning the house or walking the dog can help increase physical activity.

Strengthen Your Body
Physical activity protects your muscles, bones and joints and ensures you will be able to keep moving and enjoy your daily activities. Aerobic, muscle-strengthening exercises can slow bone density loss that occurs with age.

Prevent Falls
A multicomponent exercise that includes, aerobic, muscle strengthening and balance training can decrease the risk of falls and related injuries.

Techny Prairie Activity Center offers a variety of ways to add activity to your lifestyle. Choose to walk the track, hop on a piece of cardio equipment, throw some ropes around in the functional fitness area, take a group fitness class or play pickleball or basketball in the gym. The choices, and the benefits, are endless!

And if you need a little extra motivation, consider scheduling personal training sessions with our experienced fitness staff members.

Sources:
American Heart Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mayo Clinic