May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month! It’s a great time to highlight the powerful benefits of active living and encourage people of all ages and abilities to find simple ways to move more each day.
Read on to learn why being active matters, and how it helps protect against and manage chronic diseases.
Why moving matters
Active living is about including physical activity into everyday routines. Physical activity is any movement that gets your body working—like walking or rolling quickly, tending a garden, swimming, or dancing. It doesn’t need to be intense to make a difference—if it gets your heart pumping faster or your muscles working harder than usual, it counts.
Movement can keep your bones and muscles strong, and according to the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, it has many more health benefits. Regular physical activity can:
- Improve health immediately. Even just a little bit of exercise can:
- lower blood pressure.
- improve sleep and mood.
- reduce pain or stiffness from chronic conditions like arthritis.
- Help prevent chronic disease. Regular physical activity can lower the risk of:
- heart disease.
- stroke.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- several types of cancer.
- Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias.
- Boost brain health. Physical movement can:
- reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
- improve brain functions such as memory and concentration.
- reduce risk of cognitive and functional decline.
Moving helps everyone
Active living is for everyone! People of all ages, abilities, and health conditions can benefit from moving more. The focus should be to find safe, enjoyable ways to move each day that help you feel better for life. Always begin at a level that feels good for your body and is easy to keep up over time. There are many activities to choose from so you can find what’s right for you.
How much activity do we need?
The Physical Activity Guidelines suggest adults get 2.5 to 6 hours a week of moderate activity for major health benefits – and it doesn’t have to be all at once! Remember, every bit counts – even small bursts of movement are beneficial and improve your health over time.
Fun ways to be active
- Walk or roll, bike, swim, dance or play sports.
- Try something new like group fitness chair yoga or a sport you haven’t played before!
- Break it up – try 10 minute walks or rolls after meals.
- Chores like yard work, cleaning, and gardening all count. Playing with children and pets are great ways to be physically active too!
- Make connections – bring joy to your movement goals by inviting friends, family, or coworkers to join you.
The science is clear: moving your body helps keep your heart and brain strong, lowers risk of chronic disease, and makes you feel better mentally and physically. May is the perfect time to start or increase your daily activity.
Let’s celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month by moving more and feeling great!