Physical Activity

The Importance of Physical Activity

Physical activity is vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When combined with nutritious eating habits, it plays a key role in preventing chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer, the top two leading causes of death in the U.S. Regular physical activity offers several benefits:

Helps control body weight
Builds and maintains lean muscle
Reduces body fat
Strengthens bones, muscles, and joints
Lowers the risk of obesity

Staying active contributes to overall well-being and long-term health.

Physical Activity at Home

Looking to stay active while at home? We’ve got you covered! Below are some helpful links and sample videos to guide you on your fitness journey. Whether you’re new to exercise or looking to improve your routine, it’s important to consult your doctor about what’s best for you before starting.

Physical Activity for Kids

Children need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day to stay healthy and maintain a proper weight for their height. If that seems like a lot, consider that adolescents aged 8-18 spend an average of 7.5 hours per day using entertainment media, while only a third of high school students get enough physical activity.

To promote more physical activity, kids need safe routes for walking and biking to school, access to parks, playgrounds, and community centers, as well as engaging activities like sports, dance, or fitness programs to keep them motivated and excited.