Since the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health was released in the summer of 1996, recognition of the benefits of moderate exercise has hit mainstream America with a powerful wake up call.
According to literature released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, regular physical activity performed most days of the week reduces the risk of:
In addition, moderate exercise is credited with:
“With so much to gain from regular physical activity, it’s disturbing that 60 percent of Americans are not regularly active,” states fitness expert Judi Sheppard Missett, founder of Jazzercise, the world’s largest dance fitness organization. “I think people are intimidated by the media images which portray exercise as extremely strenuous. You don’t have to be training for a marathon to reap the benefits. Recent studies show that even mild activities, such as gardening and house cleaning, are capable of improving one’s health.”
The Surgeon General’s report recommends engaging in a moderate amount of physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week. Missett offers these five suggestions for making exercise a part of your day:
1. Walk, walk, walk. Before you grab your car keys and head to the corner store for that gallon of mild -- stop! Why not walk? Ditto for the next time you and your co-workers head to your favorite lunch spot three blocks away. Slip a comfortable pair of shoes in your bag, and keep your eyes open for any opportunity to get to your next destination under your own power.
2. Who needs a stair climber? Institute a self-imposed ban on elevator use. There’s nothing like climbing a few stories to raise your heart rate and strengthen those legs!
3. Play with your kids! Ride your bikes to the playground, play tag, swing on the jungle gym. Kids benefit from physical activity as much as adults, and it’s a great way to spend quality time together.
4. Add a 10-minute stretch to your morning regimen. Flexibility improves your range of motion, reduces the risk of injury and can be a wonderfully refreshing way to start your day. After a warm shower, perform gentle stretches for your legs, arms, neck and back.
5. Schedule your workouts...and put it in writing! The best intentions to exercise are often sidetracked if you don’t set a specific time or place. “Schedule your exercise sessions as you would any other important appointment,” suggests Missett. “After all, it’s your health your dealing with!”
With 4,700+ franchises in all 50 U.S. states and 38 countries, Jazzercise is the world’s largest dance-fitness program. For information on local classes, call 1(800) FIT-IS-IT or (760) 434-2101.
Courtesy of Article Resource Association, www.aracopy.com, email: info@aracopy.com
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