May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and also marks the beginning of the summer season. There's no better time than summer to get outdoors and be physically active, whether that's by going for a family walk in the mornings, swimming in a local lake, joining an online fitness class, hiking a trail, or participating in a team sport. This summer, challenge yourself to find a new activity that you think is fun and that also gets you moving. Doing something you enjoy will help you to stay active over time, and to make lasting changes that can improve your health. You can also be a role model for others in your family and community. If you're already an active person, challenge yourself to invite someone in your life to be active with you.

 

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans advise adults to be active for at least 2 1/2 hours per week, or 1/2 hour per day on most days of the week. All adults, but especially older adults, are also advised to do weight-bearing or strength-training exercise at least twice a week to build and maintain muscle mass throughout life. Children and teens should be active for an hour every day. This is important not only to keep them healthy in the short term, but also to develop good lifelong habits and to ensure strong bone development as they grow.

 

These guidelines are great goals to keep in mind, but also remember that any amount of exercise helps us be healthier than we would otherwise. If the guidelines seem unattainable now, set a goal that works for your daily life, even if it's something that only lasts a few minutes. And remember to try something fun this summer! Learn more about how to Move Your Way from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. https://health.gov/moveyourway