Physical Activity is Essential to Healthy Living

July 11, 2012 - PRLog -- Physical Activity is Essential to Healthy Living

As an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your health. It can even hold off some health problems that come with age. It keeps your muscles strong so you can keep doing your day to day activities . No matter how old we are, not doing any physical activity can be bad for you. Even some physical activity is better than none at all. The more activity you do, the greater your health benefits will be.
The Centres for Disease Control and prevention recommend that older adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate activity (such as a brisk walk) every week, and muscle strengthening activities 2 or more days a week. (Work all the major muscle groups: legs, hips, back abdomen, chest, shoulder and arms.) If you can jog or run (vigorous intensity activities) you need at least 1 hour and 15 minutes every week as well as muscle strengthening exercises.
This may sound like a lot of time, but 10 minutes at a time is fine. You can spread it out over the week and in small increments during the day. Just make sure you are doing moderate or vigorous activity for at least 10 minutes at a time. The important thing is to do physical activities that are right for you and your abilities. There are lots of activities to chose from-be creative and have fun while you are at it!