You do not have to do 30 minutes of activity at one time. What are some tips to help me stay on track? Then try to take more steps each day than you took the day before. Start by finding out how many steps you usually take in a day. Some phones have programs that will count and record steps. A pedometer is a device you can wear to track your steps. A general guide is to take 10,000 steps each day.

Step counting can help you monitor activity.

You may be doing daily activities more easily, sleeping better, or building muscles. You can also use a program on your phone or other device that will track activity for you. Include the kind of activity and how long you did it. You can do this by writing down your daily activity.

Keep a record of your activity and your progress.

If possible, walk or ride a bike instead of driving. For example, try parking as far from the entrance of buildings as you can when you run errands. You can be more active by making small changes all day. Activity does not have to mean structured exercise each day. Set smaller goals, such as walking a little longer each week, or feeling less shortness of breath. For example, do not think you should reach your goal in a month. Try not to put time requirements on your goals. For example, you may want to be able to walk for 30 minutes without becoming short of breath. Set some long-term goals and some short-term goals. What steps can I take to become more active? You can also use resistance bands instead of weights. Use a weight that is slightly heavier than you can lift easily. Try to work all the major muscle groups, such as your legs, arms, abdomen, and chest. If you do not have access to weights, you can lift items around your house. Strength training includes pushups, yoga, tai chi, and weightlifting. Strength training helps you keep the muscles you have and build new muscles.

Do strength training at least 2 times each week.You can also do a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. Aim for 150 to 300 minutes (2.5 to 5 hours) of moderate activity, or 75 to 150 of vigorous activity each week. Aerobic activity includes walking, bicycling, dancing, swimming, and raking leaves.

Do aerobic activity several days each week.When you go from being mostly inactive to adding some activity, you will see health benefits. How much activity do I need?Īny activity is better than no activity at all. This means it cannot fight infections well. What are the risks of a sedentary lifestyle?Ī sedentary lifestyle increases your risk for diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Activity can also help improve your sleep. Activity can reduce or prevent depression and stress. This will help prevent osteoporosis and reduce your risk for falls. Your bones and muscles will get stronger.If you have arthritis, activity can help your joints move more easily and with less pain. Activity can help you control your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and lower your cholesterol. Activity helps lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Your body continues to burn calories at a higher rate after you are active. Activity helps your body use the calories you eat instead of storing them as fat. This can help you get through your daily activities without feeling tired. Activity helps condition your heart, lungs, and muscles. You may be able to do daily activities more easily.What are the benefits of an active lifestyle?

An active lifestyle has many benefits, such as helping you prevent or manage health conditions. A sedentary lifestyle means you sit or do not move much during the day. This kind of activity is called sedentary. Physical activity is different from other kinds of activity, such as reading a book. Physical activity includes exercise such as walking or lifting weights. Any activity that gets you up and moving is part of an active lifestyle. What do I need to know about an active lifestyle?Īn active lifestyle means you do physical activity throughout the day.

Inactive physical activity definition