Physical activity improves health and fitness, helps maintain a healthy body weight and helps reduce the risk for several chronic diseases and conditions. Physical activity needs vary based on age (youth, adults, and older adults), but no matter what your needs are, they can be met through different types of activities and varying amounts each week.
Benefits of regular physical activity include:
- Reducing stress
- Help maintaining healthy body weight
- Lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, overweight and obesity
- Improving strength and endurance
- Building strong bones and muscles
- Building self-esteem
Characteristics of a good physical activity program:
- Frequency - number of times performed weekly
- Intensity - level of effort required
- Time - duration or amount of time
- Type - aerobic, muscle-strengthening, bone-strengthening, flexibility
Visit the following fitness sections for more detailed guidelines:
Resources:
- Physical Activity and Health (Source: CDC)
- Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (Source: Nebraska Forest Service)
- Family Fun on the Run
- Youth In Motion
Videos:
- Physical Activity Guidelines (Source: CDC)
- How Can I Fit Exercise Into My Busy Work Day? (Source: UNL Wellness)