Exercise and Physical Activity

Overview

Regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. People who are active live longer and feel better. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. It can delay or prevent diabetes, some cancers and heart problems.

Most adults need at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days per week. Examples include walking briskly, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming for recreation or bicycling. Stretching and weight training can also strengthen your body and improve your fitness level.

The key is to find the right exercise for you. If it is fun, you are more likely to stay motivated. You may want to walk with a friend, join a class or plan a group bike ride. If you've been inactive for awhile, use a sensible approach and start out slowly.

Source: MedlinePlus

Note: This topic was prepared to help consumers find reliable health resources on the web. This site is not responsible for the information on other sites. The information here — and on all websites — is not intended to be a substitute for care given to you by a health professional.

Starting Out

Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This link from the CDC website defines the obesity epidemic and discusses the importance of exercise and proper nutrition for health.

The President's Challenge

The President's Challenge is a program that encourages Americans to make being active part of their everyday lives. The program is grouped by age (kids, teens, adults, seniors) and by activity and fitness level. The website includes tools, an activity log and information on achieving awards for your progress.

Colorado Governor's Council for Active and Healthy Lifestyles

The Colorado Governor's Council for Active and Healthy Lifestyles is a nonprofit group composed of approximately 20 governor-appointed members and numerous volunteers. Their mission is to empower lifestyle change in citizens of all ages and abilities through promoting and sponsoring physical activities.

Local Resources

Healthy Kids Club, UCHealth

Among the goals of the Healthy Kids Club is to promote physical activity in children. This link from the University of Colorado Health website explains the club's activities.

Find a Fitness or Exercise Class, HealthInfoSource.com

Search the "Classes and Events" section of this website to find Fort Collins-area health-related classes and events. Classes include those offered by University of Colorado Health, City of Fort Collins and other organizations. Class listings are updated quarterly.

Find a Fitness Trainer, Health Club or Gym, HealthInfoSource.com

Search the "Provider" section of this website to find organizations, including health clubs, and providers who can help with fitness counseling and training. Using this link, start your search by clicking on the "Other Health Services" section. Then search by "Type of Care" and choose "Fitness Counseling/Training."

Coalition for Activity and Nutrition to Defeat Obesity (CanDo)

This local task force has come together to target obesity by promoting awareness and consequences of excess body weight as well as developing and enhancing programs and policies designed to prevent obesity.

Still Looking?

Best Health Sites

This collection of web links, organized by site type, will help you find the health information you're looking for.

Health and Healthcare Statistics

Looking for health and healthcare statistics at the local, state and national level? This collection of web links will help you find the health data you're looking for. Great for researchers, grant writers, students and the curious.

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