Staying Active While Social Distancing: Questions and Answers
health.gov
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about staying active during social distancing
Move More Together
American Heart Association
Let’s grab the people around us to be part of a community that is moving through the tough times together. Plus live and pre-recorded FREE virtual workouts.
Get Fit by Gardening
WebMD
Trying your hand at gardening may be a best-kept secret to getting and staying in shape.
Why Tai Chi Is As Good For You As CrossFit
Markham Heid
Slow, mindful movements. No weights. Low intensity. The practice combines aspects of ancient Chinese medicine, philosophy and martial arts, and it’s the antithesis of most modern exercise programs that emphasize fast, vigorous activity.
Tips and Resources to Stay Active
centremoves.org
While we are spending more time at home, be sure to stay active. Exercise and physical activity benefits your health and mental wellness. Regular exercise improves flexibility and balance while building muscles and bones. Exercise also releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that will enhance your mood. Plus exercise has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
How Your Mental Health Reaps the Benefits of Exercise
Sarah Gingell Ph.D.
Rates of depression and anxiety are at their highest recorded levels in countries as diverse as India, China, the U.S., and the UK. Undoubtedly, many aspects of "modern life"—increasing social isolation, poor diets, a focus on money and image—contribute to this state. However, inactivity is another key factor.
30 fun ways to get 30 minutes of physical activity today
If as an adult the thought of breaking a sweat breaks your spirit, it might be time to think about fun ways you can get active, just like you’re a kid again.
Doctors Need to Focus Less on a Patient’s Weight: Extra pounds can lead to health problems, but dwelling on fat itself can increase stigma and shame
But many conversations around weight have become a hindrance, not a help, in the campaign to make people healthier. Doctors' recommendations to drop pounds are still extremely common, even though using body size as a one-size-fits-all proxy for health can obscure the complexity of an individual's particular physiology.
How to Boost Your Willpower to Help Make Healthy Choices Easy
American Heart Association
Did you know willpower can get used up, making it harder to make healthy choices? Don't worry, we've got science-based ways to support and strengthen your willpower and increase your ability to resist temptation. Crush those junk food cravings and win the battle of will vs. want with these tips.
How Can You Increase Mileage While Walking?
Stacy Reed, MS
Setting goals and tracking progress are small habits that can go a long way in any exercise program.
4-Week Treadmill Training Plan
Shana Verstegen
Whatever your feelings are regarding the treadmill, there are many benefits and great workout options for this calorie-torching piece of equipment. This treadmill training plan takes advantage of these benefits.
How to Move More Anytime Anywhere
American Heart Association
t’s really not that hard to fit in fitness. You can get up and move just about anytime, anywhere to be more physically active and stay healthy.
Way to Be ACtive
HHS.gov
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a day for adults, 60 minutes for children, at least five days a week. Sound daunting? It's much easier than you think, regardless of your current activity level.
5 of the best exercises you can ever do
Harvard Healthbeat
If you're not an athlete or serious exerciser — and you just want to work out for your health or to fit in your clothes better — the gym scene can be intimidating and overwhelming. What are the best exercises for me? How will I find the time?
How to Start Exercising and Stick to It
Making exercise an enjoyable part of your everyday life may be easier than you think. These tips can show you how.
Make Your Core Work for Everyday Life
SilverSneakers
These five moves will build your functional core strength and stability—so you can stay mobile.
Green Exercise: 10 Ways to Incorporate Nature Into Your Workout Routine
Michael O. Schroeder
Working out while experiencing nature – or green exercise – confers added benefits compared with even exercising indoors or in urban “built” environments, according to research.
Physical Activity Technology
Stacy Reed, MS
There are so many cellphone applications and technology accessories on the market to help people reach their fitness goals.
Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms
Mayo Clinic
Depression and anxiety symptoms often improve with exercise. Here are some realistic tips to help you get started and stay motivated.
9 Exercises That Can Ease Sciatica Pain
K. Aleisha Fetters
For up to 40 percent of Americans, at one time or another, sciatica becomes a literal pain in the butt.
The secret to better health — exercise
Harvard Healthbeat
Whether you're 9 or 90, abundant evidence shows exercise can enhance your health and well-being. But for many people, sedentary pastimes, such as watching TV, surfing the Internet, or playing computer and video games, have replaced more active pursuits.
Tips for Getting Active
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Small steps that get your family to move more can help all of you maintain a healthy weight. Choose a different tip each week for you and your family to try. See if you or they can add to the list. Here are a few:
How to Be More Active at Work
American Heart Association
If you’re like most American adults, you spend most of your waking hours at work and struggle to fit everything else (like exercise) into your “free time.”
8 Treadmill Walking Mistakes to Avoid
Marc Lindsay
There’s more to walking on a treadmill than, well, walking. To stay safe and get the most from your workout, avoid these six common treadmill walking mistakes.
Getting Active
American Heart Association
The benefits of regular physical activity are undeniable. Something is better than nothing, and we all have to start somewhere.
Time to Unplug!
Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, FAND
What occupies today's kids for an average of seven hours per day? The screens on computers, TVs and mobile devices
2-Week Power Walking Program to Build Fitness
Jessica Smith
The power of a good, brisk walk is a great starting point if you’re looking to improve your health. It offers numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, lower body mass index and waist circumference, just to name a few. Walking is also the easiest form of exercise you can do — all you need to get started is a good pair of walking shoes.
Safety Tips for Walkers
Stacy Reed, MS
It is important to follow safe walking practices while walking outside, especially when walking in a high traffic area.
News You Can Use
Curated, trusted, and accurate information on the importance of exercise, fitness and move more!