It can be difficult to start moving and exercising when you are accustomed to doing the opposite. Physical exercise is very important for the body and the mind, and if you haven’t made it a habit to incorporate daily physical activity, now is the time to start.
In the United States, the US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) has physical activity guidelines for all age groups. To check it out, visit or download the guidelines summary. When you are ready to start moving, speak to your medical provider before starting any physical regimen. Here are some of our favorite activities to try:
Walk The Walk: This is our favorite exercise. It is easy, low-impact and can be modified to suit your pace and comfort level. Start slow and pick up speed when you are comfortable. It is a great exercise to do alone, with a friend or in a group.
Get Up There: Related to walking is hiking. We at The Peters Place love going hiking up the hills and mountains that surround our area, but you can also go hiking down valleys and low-lying areas as well. Alltrails.com is a great website that feature different trails and hiking routes for you to consider, so visit it today if you need some trail ideas.
Go Jogging or Running: Jogging and running really get your heart racing. There are many apps and devices that can help you both track your heart rate and your track while you do either, so do your research and download a few to help.
Get In The Water: If you have access to the beach or a pool, swimming is also a very good physical activity to indulge in. If you can’t swim but still love being in water, check out water aerobics. WebMD has a great article on water aerobics if you want to learn more, but if you are ready to sign up, reach out to your local YMCA, fitness center or local gym’s website.
Play Ball: Have some fun with a ball and some buddies. Get your gear ready, call up some friends (or round up the family) and play a game of your choosing. There are many to choose from (for example football, basketball, volleyball or cricket) or you can make up your own. It is a great way to encourage team bonding and get some good cardiovascular exercise at the same time.
There are many other activities we can add to this list. This is just to give you a starting point if you are considering starting somewhere. We encourage you to find something you like and do it consistently. Enjoy getting and staying fit!