Physical Activity Tips

Physical activity is good for adults and youth. Everyone needs to be physically active to be healthy.

Adults should be active for 2 hours and 30 minutes a week. That might seem like a lot. It might be easier to think of it as being active for 30 minutes, 5 days a week. That might still seem like a lot. If you are not active now or are not active that often, these tips can help you:

Start with small goals

Maybe your goal for this week is 60 minutes. Next week it could be 70. Work up to 150 minutes and do not worry if it takes a while. Any movement is a step in the right direction.

Pick activities you like

Physical activity can be fun! If you like the activity, you will do it more often. Pick activities that make you happy and that make you feel good.

Be patient

Encourage yourself to do as much as you can without hurting yourself. Practice positive self-talk and compliment yourself on all you can do.

Be kind to your body

If you are not active now, start walking and work up to other activities like running or biking. Starting slowly will help your body feel good and will help you avoid getting hurt.

Find a friend

Physical activity is more fun with a friend. The buddy system is also a great way to be active even when you do not want to. Help one another reach your goals.

Play

Play with your kids, kick a soccer ball, or shoot some hoops. Playing games is a fun way to be active and can make the minutes fly by.

Find ways to be more active

Walk to work or park further away and walk in. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Take a short walking break. Adding physical activity to your day ten minutes at a time can help you reach your goals.

Make physical activity family time

Take a walk together, play at the park, or go on a bike ride. Doing activities together will make it more fun. It will also encourage you and your kids to be more active.

Like adults, children also need to be active every day. Visit the Active Youth page to learn more.