| STUDENT & STAFF WELLNESS POLICY
Tips for Being Active
*From
the CDC Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, National Center
for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
There are 1440 minutes in every day - Schedule
30 of them for physical activity.
Adults need recess too! With a little creativity and planning,
even the person with the busiest schedule can make room for physical
activity. For many folks, before or after work or meals is often
an available time to cycle, walk, or play. Think about your weekly
or daily schedule and look for or make opportunities to be more
active. Every little bit helps. Consider the following suggestions:
- Walk, cycle, jog, skate, etc., to work, school, the store,
or place of worship.
- Park the car farther away from your destination.
- Get on or off the bus several blocks away.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
- Play with children or pets. Everybody wins. If you find it too
difficult to be active after work, try it before work.
- Take fitness breaks-walking or doing desk exercises-instead
of taking cigarette or coffee breaks.
- Perform gardening or home repair activities.
- Avoid labor-saving devices-turn off the self-propel option on
your lawn mower or vacuum cleaner.
- Use leg power-take small trips on foot to get your body moving.
- Exercise while watching TV (for example, use hand weights, stationary
bicycle/treadmill/stair climber, or stretch).
- Dance to music.
- Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your
car and office. You'll be ready for activity wherever you go!
- Make a Saturday morning walk a group habit.
- Walk while doing errands.
Tips for People Who Have Been Inactive for
a While
Use a sensible approach by starting out slowly.
- Begin by choosing moderate-intensity activities you enjoy the
most. By choosing activities you enjoy, you'll be more likely
to stick with them.
- Gradually build up the time spent doing the activity by adding
a few minutes every few days or so until you can comfortably perform
a minimum recommended amount of activity (30 minutes per day).
- As the minimum amount becomes easier, gradually increase either
the length of time performing an activity or increase the intensity
of the activity, or both.
- Vary your activities, both for interest and to broaden the range
of benefits.
- Explore new physical activities.
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