Getting Started

 

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. If you’re ready to get the immediate benefits (see above) of better sleep, reduced anxiety, and lower blood pressure, here are ways to get started:

  • Look for ways to reduce time sitting and increase time moving. For example, make it a tradition to walk before or 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 others in your household for motivation and mutual encouragement.

  • Start slowly and work your way up to more time or more challenging activities.

  • Use free apps and websites to find the ways to be physically active or new places to put some variety in your activity routine.

  • 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.

For many people, walking is a great way to become more active.

See ideas on how you can begin and how your community can help:

People with chronic conditions may want to talk to their doctor about the right types and amounts of physical activity. Examples of chronic conditions are heart problems, arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure.