Physical Fitness and Sports Month: Three Reasons to Get Active Now!

It’s time to get up and get moving! (After you finish reading this blog post). The weather is getting warmer and the time is right to head to the park or hit the trail. May is National Physical Fitness and Sports month and there are plenty of reasons to be fit including:

1. Regular Exercise Builds Strong Muscles and Bones – As we get older, our bone density tends to decrease. Luckily, research has shown that even moderate exercise can slow the loss of bone density. Additionally, adding moderate muscle strengthening exercises to your daily routine can stop and even reverse the muscle loss that can accompany age and/or inactivity.

2. Regular Exercise is Good for Your Brain – Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, so its mental benefits are almost as numerous as its physical ones. It keeps your thinking and judgment sharp. Because it helps you sleep better, you may also experience improved focus and knowledge retention. People who exercise regularly have experienced relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. It can even slow the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

3. Regular Exercise Will Make You Live Longer – Exercise puts you in a better mood, which will extend your life expectancy (according to the Harvard School of Public Health), but that’s not all. People who are moderately active for just 30 minutes a day, five days a week see a decrease in their risk for heart disease, some cancers, and other common causes of early death. Get active 60 minutes a day, seven days a week and your risk drops 40% below your sedentary peers.

So start getting active today, especially if you’ve been putting it off. Your body and your brain will thank you! You don’t have to run a marathon like we did. In fact, you don’t have to run at all. Just get moving!

Disclaimer: “Doing activity that requires moderate effort is safe for most people. But if you have a chronic health condition such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, or other symptoms be sure to talk with your doctor about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you.” – Center for Disease and Control Prevention