The month of May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month to raise awareness of the importance of active living.
Many organizations, communities, and schools have joined with the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN) to challenge Americans to get active, get fit, and eat well throughout the month of May – and, of course, for the rest of their lives. May is the month to begin to set those great health habits for the new you.
Get Moving
Physical activity is an essential part of being healthy. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAG) recommends that adults get at least 2½ hours of moderately to vigorously intense physical activity each week. You can spread this activity out over easy 30-minute increments, five days a week. Or you can choose from many activities and can accumulate activities in bouts of 10 minutes. The HHS also advises doing muscle-strengthening exercises two or more days a week. The health benefits of regular physical activity can be remarkable.
Regular physical activity can:
- Help you maintain a healthy weight
- Lower your cholesterol
- Lower your blood pressure
- Strengthen muscles and bones
- Reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and obesity
Regular physical activity can also help your mental health. Often, when you’re low, regular physical activity can pick you up; or, if you’re anxious, physical activity can calm you down as you recover from your fitness return.
There are even intangible benefits of participating in fitness activities, including:
- Providing an opportunity to connect with others
- Lifting your spirits
- Giving you a new outlook on a problem or project
Rise to the challenge this May and add some sort of physical fitness to your lifestyle. Regular physical activity can help slow the progress of osteoporosis and build strong bones.
In addition, individuals with a total joint replacement should try to lead active lifestyles. Exercise not only is important in the recovery process, but also in the years following the surgery.
Medical Disclaimer: As always, please consult your physician before beginning an exercise regimen. Article source: https://www.foh.hhs.gov/calendar/may.html
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