Staying Active

Be Physically Active

Exercise is one of those rare things where the hype actually meets reality. Next to not smoking, getting regular physical activity is arguably the best thing you can do for your health. It lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers, and also can help control stress and boost mood. Plus, moderate to vigorous physical activity helps keep weight in check.

Best of all? It doesn’t take marathon training to see real health gains. A 30-minute brisk walk on five days of the week is all most people need. Or you can do 25 minutes of more vigorous activity, such as jogging, step aerobics, or singles tennis, three days a week. Or, you can do a combination of both. Getting any amount of exercise is better than none. The more you get, however, the better. But don’t feel locked into running or walking. A lot of activities count as exercise: dancing, skating, gardening, cycling, scrubbing floors, washing the car by hand, or playing with your kids. Anything that gets you moving can count as exercise. Don’t have the free time to go to the gym? Incorporate activity into your day. That may include bicycling or briskly walking to work, to the store, or to bring your children to school.