As the weather begins to warm and the snow melts, we are starting to think about longer days and opportunities to be more active. If you have not been as physically active as you would like during the cold winter months, it’s a good time to get started with some new routines. Info from CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)
Get Motivated
- Look for opportunities to reduce sedentary time and to increase active time. For example, instead of watching TV, take a walk after dinner.
- Set aside specific times to make physical activity part of your daily or weekly routine.
- Start with activities, locations, and times you enjoy. For example, you might like morning walks in your neighborhood; others might prefer an online class after work.
- Try activities with members of your household for motivation and mutual encouragement.
- Start slowly and work your way up to more physically challenging activities. For many people, walking is a particularly good place to begin.
- Federal guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week for adults. You might split that into 30 minutes 5 days a week.
Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles to Physical Activity
As you get started, the obstacles might seem difficult to overcome. The following table offers common obstacles and strategies for overcoming them.
