02 Jul Health Tip: Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight
Regular physical activity is important for good health, especially important to losing or maintaining weight. Being physically active can make you more energetic, improve your mood, and reduce the risk of
developing a chronic disease.
Physical activity controls your weight by using excess calories that you would store as fat. Balancing the calories, you eat with the calories you use through physical activity will you maintain your current weight.
- Calories in Food > Calories Used = Weight Gain
- Calories in Food < Calories Used = Weight Loss
- Calories in Food = Calories Used = Weight Control
Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity 3 to 5 days a week, this amount of physical activity may reduce your risk of some chronic diseases. In addition, following a nutritious eating plan and consume fewer calories than you burn each day. You may wish to speak with your health care provider, a fitness specialist, or dietitian about the right amount of activity and calories for you.
- Get started
- Take a Brisk walk around the block with family, friends, or co-workers.
- Walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator when it is safe to do so
- Mow the lawn
- Take an activity break at work or home. Get up, stretch, and walk around.
- Park your car farther away from entrances of stores, movie, theatres, or your home and walk the extra distance when it is safe to do so.
- Take a beginner’s level low-impact aerobics or step class.
Written by LaVella Head