Have you been active today? Did move more than your usual work or daily tasks require? These may sound like silly questions to ask yourself, but the reality is, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25% of U.S. adults are not active enough to protect their own health from chronic diseases.

According to the CDC, 50% of adults in the U.S. live with a chronic disease while 25% of adults have 2 or more chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are the major factors contributing to death in the modern age. Studies have shown overwhelming evidence that physical inactivity is a primary contributor to developing illnesses. Chronic diseases include: some major cancers, cardiorespiratory issues, type 2 diabetes, obesity, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, erectile dysfunction, congestive heart failure, osteoporosis, mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and stress, and many more.

“Getting enough physical activity could prevent 1 in 10 premature deaths,” said Ruth Petersen, MD, Director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity.

Physical inactivity could be defined as anyone who is not getting the recommended amount of movement outside of daily work and tasks. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, suggests 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate to intense physical activity each week.

Now, you don’t have to do all of that in one go. Don’t be afraid to spread out physical activity times throughout the week. You can do 22 minutes a day or you can try 30 minutes, 5 times a week. Movement that is longer than 10 minutes can be added together during the course of the day to help get closer to your 30 minute goal. This allows you to still stick to your current schedule while also creating habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle.

Unsure of what activities to do for your age? Don’t worry, the CDC made a quick and easy printable guide on age-appropriate activities you can do to improve your activity level. Use this chart to set goals for yourself to try here at the club. We have a great walking course to get that 30 minutes of extra walking out of the way. Don’t worry if walking isn’t your go-to activity. Other great activities could be

· Take the stairs instead of the elevator

· Use your bike instead of your car when doing errands

· Join a soccer, pickleball or summer-league softball team

· Do moderate to intense aerobics or turn up the radio and dance for 20 minutes

· Swim laps (which is also great for your joints!)

Just move more and sit less. We provide group exercise classes free to our members from active, flowing Yoga to upbeat, exciting Zumba. Go online today and check out our group exercise schedule or take advantage of our member exclusive, 2-day advance sign up by creating a myiclubonline account with the help from our service desk. Let Franciscan Health Fitness Centers help you reach your active goals.

Citations: 

Lack of exercise is a major cause of chronic diseases (nih.gov)

CDC Releases Updated Maps of America’s High Levels of Inactivity 

CDC Active People, Healthy NationSM | Physical Activity | CDC