Get Moving
Let’s start at the beginning. Physical activity is any body movement that works your muscles and requires more energy than resting. Walking, running, dancing, swimming, yoga, and gardening are a few examples of physical activity. How much physical activity you need depends on your age, but in general some is good, more is better! For anyone aged 16-69 wishing to become physically active, an important first step is to make sure you are physically ready to begin exercising. If you’re above 69, there is a readiness questionnaire for you, too.
How much activity am I presently getting? The quiz you’ll find here also explains the link between physical activity and many types of cancers; that’s just one of many important reasons to be active.
The next step is getting mentally ready. For example, you should think about your reasons to exercise, as well as anything that could keep you from exercising. Identifying your own barriers to exercise will help you be more effective in planning your exercise program.
Keep in mind that no matter what your age, physical activity should be enjoyable. Whatever you choose to do, try keeping a log of your activity – it’s one great way to keep on track!
Helpful websites to get moving:
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The government website, with tons of information about why, how, when, and what to do with regard to physical activity.
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For local seniors who want to meet others and get more active!
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Lots of good tips to get active from an organization that’s been promoting it for years!
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Great info for those with arthritis, but really for anyone starting an exercise program!
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President’s Active Lifestyle Challenge–Sign up and start being active, by setting fitness goals, for 6 out of 8 weeks and receive an award! Good way to motivate yourself to start getting active or jump start your fitness routine.
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Runner Training Programs – build strength and avoid injuries:
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Carver Recreation Center
Have a Smart Phone? Here are some free and low cost apps that will help get you moving!
Nike Training Club (Free for iOS and Android): This app outlines various workouts you can do in your own home. You can select workouts based on what your goals are—including cardio and strength training—as well as your current level of fitness—ranging from beginner to advanced.
Simply Yoga (Free for iOS and Android): This app details daily yoga workouts of different lengths and difficulty. Includes instructional videos to help you learn the poses.
Instant Heart Rate (Free for iOS and Android): Keeping your heart rate up is an important goal during a workout. This app allows you to measure your heart rate using your phone’s camera! It even keeps a log of each heart rate test so you can track your changes over time.
Gain Fitness (Free for iOS, unavailable for Android): This app offers highly customizable workouts based on what equipment you have available—whether at the gym or at home. To help keep you on track it includes a workout calendar that gives you a notification if you miss a scheduled workout. It’s like having your own personal trainer!
Fitness Buddy (Free version or $1.99 for iOS and Android): This app allows you to target specific muscle areas, utilizing gym equipment, or go for a full body or sports conditioning workout. It offers high quality pictures and descriptions for each movement.
iFIT running: (Free version for iOS, $1.99 for iOS, $.99 for Android, or sign up online for free): Helps you keep pace while running and tracks distance, speed, and heart rate.
Gympact (Free for iOS and Android): Need even more incentive to work out? This app allows you to schedule how often and how long you want to work out each week, and charges you for missing a workout! By “checking in” at the gym for each workout, you avoid being fined and even get paid (with the money from the people who skipped their workout).