Get Moving To Stay Healthy

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention only 20 percent of U.S. adults get the recommended amounts of both of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise.

The findings show that 51.6 percent of adults get the recommended amount of aerobic exercise while only 29.3 percent get the recommended amount of muscle-strengthening activities. These exercise rates varied by widely by state. Exercise should be a lifelong habit but for many it seems like a chore. The benefits are so many for old and young alike.

Exercise not only helps with weight management, it helps reduce anxiety and depression; boosts energy, immunity and improves brain power. Exercise also significantly lowers the risk for diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Adults should get at least two and a half hours of moderate intensity aerobis exercise per week or 1 1/2 hours of high intensity exercise. This recommendation from the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans also state that adults should do muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week working all major muscle groups.

Exercise is especially important as we age to help with balance. Loss of balance and strength can lead to falls in elderly which can result in anything from a bad bruise to a fractured bone. Staying active is key toward attempting to avoid serious injuries though it is no guarantee.

Simple steps to get started include taking a walk after dinner, stretching each morning just after getting up, marching in place during a favorite tv show, gardening or easy yard work, and taking a walk after dinner. While these simple steps are not likely to get a person"s heart rate up, movement and exercise release endorphins that help our mood. Every single thing that burns calories, builds muscle and strong bones is valuable toward maintaining a healthy body.