Take a Step for Physical Fitness this Month!

As we move into October’s cooler weather, it’s a great time to get outdoors and get moving! Physical fitness is a vital part of your well-being. Not only does regular exercise help reduce your risk of chronic diseases and strengthen your immune system, but it also helps to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Staying physically active can even improve your sleep!

According to the World Health Organization, most adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.* However, many adults fail to meet that recommendation. Since staying active is an important part of living a longer, healthier life, we’re working to encourage others to get moving and meet their wellness goals! Let’s take a look at some insights into physical fitness, as well as some helpful tips for keeping your body healthy.

Physical Fitness by the Numbers

• One in three adults worldwide gets the recommended amount of physical activity every week.***
• Americans with higher incomes are more likely to meet the physical activity recommendations than those with lower
  incomes.**
• Physical fitness levels decrease significantly in both men and women over the age of 60.*
• A majority of children are spending over 7 1/2 hours a day in front of a screen instead of staying active.***
• Women are less active than men by about 5%.*
• In the U.S., the cost to the healthcare system due to physical inactivity is estimated to reach $27 billion per
  year, by 2030.*
• Only one in five homes are within a half-mile of a park or a fitness and recreation center.***

7 Steps for Improving Physical Fitness

Start Small

You don’t need to get out and start running marathons on day one. Start with short exercise sessions and work your way up.

Make Sure to Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can lead to fatigue, low endurance, and muscle cramps. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to rehydrate—always have water on hand!

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Just as staying active can improve your sleep, being wellrested can help improve your energy levels during the day and make it easier to exercise.Make sure you’re getting the recommended amount of sleep for your age.

Move More in Your Daily Life

Try to work more movement into your daily routine by taking the stairs, walking or riding your bike when you can, and stretching when you’re on break.

Choose an Activity You Enjoy

Getting active can seem like a chore. A great way to work around that is to make it fun by incorporating hobbies like tennis, gardening, or hiking.

Make it a Group Effort

It can be hard to stay motivated on your own, so consider working out in a group setting! Things are always easier with friends.

Regularly Visit Your Doctor

The best way to make sure you’re staying physically fit? Schedule regular appointments with your doctor to screen for health issues and get recommendations on diet, fitness, and preventive measures.

Everyone is different, which means that the best physical fitness routine fit for each person will be different as well. Take the time to learn about what exercises and activities work best for you! Physical fitness is a key part of happier, healthier lives, so let’s work together to spread awareness and encourage healthy habits.

Additional Sources

* https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
** https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/exercise.htm
*** https://www.rxresource.org/fitness/exercise-and-fitness-facts-andstatistics.html#:~:text=Less%20than%205%25%20of%20adults,65%2D74%20are%20physically%20active.