Tips For Being Physically Active At Any Size
Tips For Being Physically Active At Any Size
(NUI) ââ Healthy, fit bodies come in all sizes.
People who are large, however, can sometimes face special challenges in trying to be active. But whatever your size or shape, there are many ways to enjoy being physically active.
Regular physical activity improves your self-image, lowers stress, boosts your mood, gives you more energy, helps you move with more grace and confidence, helps you sleep, and increases your strength.
Being active also may protect you from developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and other health problems.
Start exercising now and keep moving for a healthier life. There are many activities out there to enjoy: walking, water workouts, riding a bike, or weight training can be good choices. Before starting an exercise routine, talk to your health care provider. Then, try some of these ideas to get started:
*Start slowly. Your body needs time to get used to your new activity.
*Warm up. Warm-ups get your body ready for action. Shrug your shoulders, tap your toes, swing your arms, or march in place.
*Slow down little by little. Cooling down may protect your heart, relax your muscles, and keep you from getting hurt.
*Set goals ââ both short term and long term. A short-term goal may be to walk five minutes at least three days for one week. A long-term goal may be to walk 30 minutes most days of the week by the end of six months.
*Keep a journal of your activity. You can look back and feel good about your progress.
*Fit exercise into your daily life. Plan ahead and try to be active when it works best for you.
*Get support. Get a family member or friend to be active with you. Have fun, and try different activities to find the ones you really enjoy.
*Stay motivated. If you cannot do an activity, do not be hard on yourself. Feel good about what you can do. It may be easier the next time.
For more information, call 877-946-4627 or log on to www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/nutrit.htm to request the free brochure Active at Any Size from the Weight-control Information Network. WIN is a national information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health.