Becoming even moderately physically active on a regular basis will start to improve your health and well-being.

You can be physically active in short spurts throughout the day, or you can set aside specific times of the day on specific days of the week.

Studies show that being physically active for even one to two hours a week (15 to 20 minutes a day) starts to improve your health and physical fitness and decreases the chances of having a heart attack or stroke, developing diabetes, or dying prematurely.

You should have a clear understanding of what is important to you and what you want to accomplish.

• Improve health
• Build strength, endurance and stamina
• Lose pounds and inches
• Build muscle mass or tone muscles
• Sport or recreational activities that may require additional abilities

Plan a logical progression.

A goal is an ending point, not the beginning, so work towards your goals gradually.

Patience is essential, do not try to do too much too soon, and do not quit before you have given yourself a chance to reap the benefits.

If you are in poor shape, or have not exercised for a long time start out slowly.

For those who haven't been physically active, keep the intensity fairly low for some weeks until you begin to improve your fitness and work your way up to more challenging activities.

Start from where you are now, do you already walk to the store or take the dog for a walk. Use these as a starting point and build on them. Add five minutes, walk a little faster.

You do not have to kill yourself to start receiving some health benefits from physical fitness activities.

Once health and fitness benefits from physical activity begin to accrue, additional amounts of activity provide additional benefits.

When you are ready to do more, consider changing from routine physical fitness activities to a more formal exercise program.

Plan to include different activities

A well rounded health and physical fitness-related exercise program includes endurance training, strength training, and stretching.

Find things you enjoy doing, and include them in your regular routine.

If you have tried exercising and quit, it may have been because of the type of activity you were doing.

Try something new, you may need to try a variety of different activities before you find the ones you like and want to do long term.

The key to a lifetime of physical fitness is consistency.

Becoming physically active can not be taken lightly; it does require a commitment of time and effort.

Make physical activity a priority, if your exercise goals are at the bottom of your priority list you will never reach them.

You have to believe that it is important to be able to make it happen.

There are going to be times when you will not want to exercise

You are not alone, we all experience these feeling, the important thing is to get back to your activities as soon as possible.

What motivated you in the first place.

Think about how important the reasons where for you to start your physical fitness program in the first place and the goals you have set for yourself.

Do not quit before you have given yourself a chance to experience the rewards of your improved health and physical fitness.

You cannot regain in a few days or weeks what you have lost from being inactive over the years, but you can get it back.

Remember

You can start to improve your health and well-being by becoming even moderately physically active on a regular basis.

Start with a reasonable amount you can build on and give your body a chance to adjust to your new routine.

Walking is a particularly good place to begin.

Slowly incorporate exercise into your daily/weekly schedule.

Do not get discouraged if you do not see immediate results.

Do not give up if you miss a day; just get back on track the next day.

Build some rest days into your exercise schedule.

Choose exercises that will fit your lifestyle.

Choose activities you can enjoy.

You may want to try something new.

Choose more than one type of physical activity to give your body a thorough workout and prevent boredom.

Every little bit will help you to improve your quality of life throughout your retirement.

A moderate amount of physical activity has major health benefits for all adults, regardless of age.

Find new activities to add to your daily life.

Particularly outside as the sun can also work wonders on your health and mood.

Golf may be an activity for you

Besides the many benefits of physical fitness you will receive, it will also provide you with the opportunity to interact with family members and friends in a beautiful and relaxing environment.

Golf will give you the opportunity to meet many new and interesting people and can offer you many challenges that will help keep you mentally alert.

Whatever activities you decide on, remember maintaining your health and fitness is your most important goal.

Being physically active doesn't have to take a lot of work, sweat or effort, and you don't have to spend hours at a gym to see results.

For you to achieve the level of physical fitness that will meet your needs and lifestyle there are certain variables and principles related to physical activity and/or exercise that you control.

One fitness program will not suit everyone.

Next: Fitness Progrm

Back to: Physical Activities

Back to: Home Page From: Physically Active