Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and offers numerous benefits that you can enjoy now and in the future.

By meeting the minimum recommendations for physical activity, you can reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers.

Physical activity also improves fitness, strengthens bones and muscles, and increases flexibility.  Staying physically fit is beneficial for everyone, whether you’re training for an Olympic gold medal or just want to climb a flight of stairs without feeling out of breath.

In addition to enhancing your physical health, being active can make you happier by reducing stress and depression, and increasing self-esteem.  It even boosts creativity.

While some people like to stay fit by running or going to the gym, those aren’t the only ways to be active.  You can get many of the same health benefits by playing with your kids at the playground, gardening, walking a dog at the animal shelter, or taking a dance class.  You can also build physical activity into your daily life by riding your bike to the post office, walking your kids to school, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.  Have fun and try a variety of activities until you find one that you enjoy!

If you need some ideas for how to be active or are looking for something new to try, click here for a list of places and ways to be active in Summit County.

Click on the following links for more information on Physical Activity: