Benefits of Daily Physical Activity

• Reduces the risk if hear disease by improving circulation in the body;
• Helps manage weight;
• Helps improve blood cholesterol;
• Helps prevent high blood pressure;
• Helps prevent bone loss;
• Increases energy levels;
• Helps manage stress;
• Releases tension;
• Improves sleep;
• Counters anxiety and depression and increases enthusiasm and optimism
• Improves self-image;
• Improves muscle tone;
• Improves muscle strength and tone;
• Helps counteract conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and poor cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart attack and stroke later in life;
• Helps delay or prevent illness associated with aging.

5 Tips to Exercise Success

1. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers or flat shoes with laces.
2. Start off slowly. Build up to 30 minutes of activity, 3 – 4 times per week (or what ever your doctor recommends). If 30 minutes is too long, break it up into two 15 minutes or three 10 minutes sessions.
3. Exercise at the same time of day. For example, take a walk every other day at lunchtime.
4. Ask a friend or family member to join in your activity. Having someone with you can increase your chances of sticking with it.
5. Vary your activities to stay interested. Walk one day, swim the next, go dancing the following day.

Exercise Tips for Lowering Cholesterol

At Home:

• Do some housework, such as cleaning or taking out the trash;
• Do some yard work. Mow the lawn, rake leaves, or work in the garden;
• Go for short walks – 30 minutes in the morning, 30 minutes after dinner, or both;
• If you’re not going to far, walk or ride a bike instead of driving;
• If you have exercise equipment, use it! Pedal a stationary bike while watching TV;
• Take a long walk with the dog;
• Park farther away from stores and walk the rest of the way;
• Walk an extra lap or 2 around the mall.

At the Office

• Take a stroll down the hall instead of calling someone on the phone;
• Walk up the stairs instead of using the elevator all the time, or get off the elevator a few floors early and take the stairs the rest of the way;
• Join a gym near your job. Work out before or after work to avoid rush-hour traffic, or drop by for a noon workout;
• Schedule exercise on your daily calendar, and treat it like any other important appointment;
• Get off the bus or subway a few stops before your usual stop, and walk the rest of the way.
• Take a walk around your building for a break during the workday or at lunchtime.

While Traveling:

• Stay at hotels with fitness centers or swimming pools, and use them;
• Walk around the airport while waiting for your flight;
• Walk around your hotel, and use the stairs instead of the elevator;
• Explore your surroundings in new cities or towns by walking around or riding a bike;
• Pack a jump rope in your suitcase to use when you travel

At Play:

• Get together with friends who enjoy the same physical activities that you do, and do them together;
• Dance – by yourself or with someone else. Take lessons;
• Join a club that revolves around physical activities such as golf or tennis;
• At the beach, get up or walk instead of just sitting;
• On the golf course, walk instead of using a cart;
• Play singles tennis or racquetball instead of doubles.