It’s officially spring. Time to put down the tablets and pick up the tennis shoes. The American Heart Association is encouraging all Michiganders to use the longer days and warmer temps as an opportunity to increase their physical activity for Physical Activity Month.
Physical activity is one of the most beneficial and easiest things you can do for your health and remains a key component to preventing heart disease and stroke – the No. 1 and No. 5 killers. The best thing about physical activity is that it’s anything that makes you move your body and burn calories. This includes walking, swimming, stretching, playing sports, or even climbing the stairs.
To improve overall cardiovascular health, the association recommends at least 30 minutes per day of moderate activity, five times a week or 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity (or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity). This, along with moderate muscle strengthening activities at least two days per week can provide additional health benefits.
For those in need of lowering their blood pressure or cholesterol, the association recommends 40 minutes of aerobic exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity three to four times a week to lower the risk for heart attack and stroke.
Any physical activity is better than none. Even breaking your activity up into smaller increments of three ten minute workouts a day or two fifteen minute walks on your breaks at work will count towards your overall goal -150 minutes a week. The increase in activity will lead to immediate health benefits like boosting your mental wellness, improving circulation, and even boosting your energy levels.
Regular moderate exercise like brisk walking has other health benefits as well such as:
- Helps in the battle to quit smoking
- Helps manage stress
- Releases tension
- Increases muscle strength and ability to do other physical activities
- Reducing stroke risk
- And much more!
Take advantage of the nicer weather this spring, get out and walk with co-workers, help a neighbor with their garden, start a walking club, or head out and play catch with the kids. Something is always better than nothing. No matter how long it’s been since you’ve exercised, today can be the start of a brand new, physically active you.
For more information on physical activity and other healthy lifestyle tips, visit: www.heart.org.
Click To Submit Press Releases, News, Calendar Items, and Community Events to mediaBrew radio stations WFXD, WKQS, WRUP, GTO, Fox Sport Marquette, and 106.1 The Sound
Marquette, Michigan Calendar; Ishpeming Calendar; Negaunee Calendar; Gwinn Calendar; Negaunee Calendar and Events; Upper Peninsula Calendar of Events; Escanaba Events and Calendar