Physical Activity And Weight Control

Calories in Food > Calories Used = Weight Gain
Calories in Food < Calories Used = Weight Loss
Calories in Food = Calories Used = Weight Control

Becoming Physically Active

Physical activity may include structured activities such as walking, running, basketball, or other sports. It may also include daily activities such as household chores, yard work, or walking the dog. Pick a combination of structured and daily activities that fit your schedule.

If you have been inactive for a while, start slowly and work up to 30 minutes a day at a pace that is comfortable for you. If you are unable to be active for 30 minutes at one time, accumulate activity over the course of the day in 10- to 15-minute sessions.

Health Benefits of Physical Activity

• Reduce your risk of or manage chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, and some cancers;
• Build strong muscles, bones, and joints;
• Improve flexibility and balance;
• Ward off depression; and
• Improve mood and sense of well-being. 

Aerobic Activity

Experts recommend moderate-intensity exercise. At this pace, you may breathe harder and find it more difficult to talk, but you should still be able to carry on a conversation. If you are just beginning, slowly work up to moving at a moderate-intensity pace. 

Get Started! To add more physical activity to your daily life try:

• Taking a brisk walk around the block with family, friends, or coworkers.
• Raking the leaves.
• Walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator when it is safe to do so.
• Mowing the lawn.
• Taking an activity break at work or home. Get up and stretch or walk around.
• Parking your car further away from entrances of stores, movie theatres, or your home and walk the extra distance when it is safe to do so.

Strength Training

Experts recommend strength training 2 to 3 days each week, with 1 full day of rest between workouts to allow your muscles to recover. If you are new to strength training, or physical activity in general, consider hiring a certified personal trainer who can plan an individualized program to help you work out safely and effectively. A personal trainer who has a degree in exercise physiology or is certified through a national certification program such as the American College of Sports Medicine or National Strength and Conditioning Association may be able to help you reach your physical activity goals. 

Get Strong!  Build strong muscles and bones with strengthening exercise. Try:

• Lifting weights
• Using resistance bands
• Using stability or medicine balls
• Doing push-ups and abdominal crunches 

Mind and Body Exercise

Keep Moving!

• Brisk walking
• Jogging
• Bicycling
• Swimming
• Aerobic exercise classes (step aerobics, kick boxing, high/low)
• Dancing (square dancing, salsa, African dance, swing)
• Playing sports (basketball, soccer) 

Tips to a Safe and Successful Physical Activity Program

Start slowly. Incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine and gradually work up to the 30-minute goal to improve health and manage your weight.

Set goals. Set short-term and long-term goals and celebrate every success.

Track progress. Keep an activity log to track your progress. Note when you worked out, what activity you did, how long you did the activity, and how you felt during your workout.

Think variety. Choose a variety of physical activities to help you meet your goals, prevent boredom, and keep your mind and body challenged.

Be comfortable. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and ones that are appropriate to the activity you will be doing.

Listen to your body. Stop exercising and consult your health care provider if you experience chest discomfort or pain, dizziness, severe headache, or other unusual symptoms while you work out. If pain does not go away, get medical help right away. If you are feeling fatigued or sick, take time off from your routine to rest. You can ease back into your program when you start feeling better. 

Eat nutritious foods. Choose a variety of nutritious foods every day. Remember that your health and weight depend on both your eating plan and physical activity level.

Get support. Encourage your family and friends to support you and join you in your activity. Form walking groups with coworkers, play with your children outside, or take a dance class with friends. 

Regular physical activity will help you feel, move, and look better. Whether your goal is to achieve and maintain a healthy weight or improve your health, becoming physically active is a step in the right direction. Take advantage of the health benefits of physical activity and make it a part of your life.

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