 How To Be Active
Why is physical activity important?
There is good news for all Washingtonians. Scientific evidence
shows that physical activity – at
moderate intensity (Click for definition) – keeps you healthy. Even people who have
been sedentary can improve their health and well-being with regular
daily physical activity. We need to move more just to keep the health
we have now. Physical activity benefits people of all ages and abilities.
People who are physically active live longer, have more
energy, have less stress, burn calories, are stronger.
Is physical activity different than physical
fitness?
Physical activity is bodily movement of any type, including
daily activities such as walking to the store, taking the stairs,
or raking the leaves. Physical activity may include recreational,
fitness and sport activities such as jumping rope, playing soccer,
or lifting.
Physical fitness is set of attributes that persons have
or achieve that relates to the ability to perform physical activity.
Components of fitness include agility, balance, coordination, power,
and speed.
What kind of physical activity should I do?
- Find something that you like to do, such as gardening, biking,
walking, canoeing, swimming, hiking, running, or dancing.
-
Visit
our Trails guide to find places to walk, bike, canoe and kayak
in Washington.
- To stay healthy, it is important to be physically active at least
30 minutes, 5 times a week. This can include several short bouts
of activity in a day.
- If your goal is to lose weight, a combination
of a healthy diet and
moderate to
vigorous
(Click for definitions) activity 60 minutes a day, five times a week, will help you be successful.
- Be active with a friend or as a family will help make it fun.
- Be consistent and set a schedule.
- If you have been inactive,
always consult your healthcare provider before starting a physical
activity program.
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