Wellness Wake Up Call
Physical Activity, a Cornerstone to Health
Good morning, this is your Wellness Wake-Up Call with University of Illinois Extension.
Did you know, only about 25% of adults meet the physical activity recommendations for muscle-strengthening and aerobic activity? A lack of physical activity will put you at risk for chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Physical activity is one of the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle, as it plays a significant role in maintaining good physical and mental health. So, this April, we are celebrating Move More Month and encourage everyone to move more! Whether you have low-mobility, muscle loss, or joint pain, we’ll have helpful tips for you throughout the month.
If you are not as active as you'd like to be, what better time to spring into a new exercise routine? Here are a few things you can do to increase your physical activity over the next month.
1. Start simple. Starting can be one of the hardest parts of becoming more active because it takes intentionality. Set realistic goals to help build momentum and confidence as you progress.
2. Track your activity. No matter the activity you choose, keep track of the time you spend being active throughout the day.
3. Have the right shoes. Make sure you have comfortable shoes that provide proper support, are stable, and fit well to help prevent foot pain and potential injuries.
This week, grab a friend and lace up for National Walking Day on April 2nd; an awareness event championed by the American Heart Association.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. Content for this episode was provided by Diane Reinhold, nutrition and wellness educator for University of Illinois Extension.
Resources:
https://www.heart.org/en/-/media/Healthy-Living-Files/Fitness/Move_More_Toolkit
