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Regular activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health, and everyone can experience the benefits. Being physically active can:

• Help you maintain a healthy weight
• Improve your brain health
• Help you sleep better
• Reduce your risk of many diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and more
• Strengthen your bones and muscles
• Improve your ability to do everyday activities
• Increase your chance of living longer
• Manage chronic health conditions and disabilities

However, many of us do not prioritize physical activity because we think we don’t have time or we don’t know where to start. If you’ve been following along with Small Steps for Better Health, you’ve already been working on adding in a little more activity into your daily routine. If you haven’t, that’s OK, you can start now!

You will be surprised at how simple it can be to add the right amount of physical activity for you, and it doesn’t have to be a fancy or expensive program if you don’t want it to be.

If you’re newer to exercise, starting with a 5-10 minute walk every day is a great place to start. After you’ve accomplished that almost daily for a couple of weeks, you can slowly start to work your way up. Here are some ideas to begin to increase your activity levels in a simple, sustainable way:

• Increase how long you walk by five minutes a week until you are completing 30 minutes per day. If you need to split it up into a few walking sessions per day, a few minutes at a time, that counts too!
• Try a new activity! Our NMMC Wellness Centers offer lots of fun class options, but you can also try a new sport, a dance class or working in your yard.
• Give weight training a try. Start very light and slow. NMMC Wellness Center trainers can help make sure you have good form and are lifting weights safely.

Most importantly, start today, and start small. Choose one tiny habit you can add that will increase your activity. Make it so simple that you know you’ll accomplish it. As time goes on and you are more comfortable with exercise, it will feel less daunting to get the right amount of exercise for you.

Consistency is key, so keep at it! If you miss a day or two, that’s OK, don’t wait until Monday to start again.

When to Check with Your Doctor

Moderate physical activity is safe for most people. But if you have a chronic condition like heart disease, diabetes, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, check with your doctor before beginning. If you don't have a primary care provider, click here to find one.

Small Steps, Better Health

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