Physical Activity Monday Challenge
The Get Healthy Team hopes that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. During this unprecedented time, as our normal routines have shifted dramatically, it can be difficult to find ways to be physically active and eat healthfully. Since maintaining a healthy lifestyle during times of stress is especially important, we have created 2 week-long physical activity and nutrition challenges to help motivate, inspire, and engage you and your family while keeping you safe by following social distancing guidelines. Check out our Facebook page and this blog to find out the daily challenges for this week.
Physical Activity Monday Challenge: Take a walk for 20 mins and see how far you can go. If you feel good, try to go a few more minutes or take a second walk later in the day.
While COVID-19 may have changed our schedules, it doesn’t have to change our commitment to being physically active. Walking is free, available right outside your door, and accessible across age and ability. It does not require any special skills or expensive equipment. A neighborhood walk can help with restlessness, anxiety and provide some much-needed fresh air. Plus, it can be fun!
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity like walking. The guidelines also recommend that children and adolescents be active for at least 60 minutes every day. These recommendations can be achieved even while we are practicing social distancing and staying at home. Walking can help you to maintain a healthy weight, prevent or manage various chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your mood.
Participating in our Physical Activity Monday Challenge, to walk 20 minutes, will encourage you to take a break from your daily tasks and fit in some physical activity for the day. Think of a walk at the end of your day as a replacement for your typical commute. This can help you clear your mind and feel like there is a transition from the end of the workday to being home off the clock. Take a walk after dinner with your household members and use it as a way to turn off devices and reconnect to talk about the day.
The good news is that you can spread out your 150 minutes a week of activity throughout the week, so you don’t have to do it all at once. You can even break it up into smaller chunks of time during the day. Building up gradually until you’re active for 30 minutes on most days will help you to achieve 150 minutes each week. No matter how you incorporate walking into your life during these difficult times, be sure to practice social distancing and follow the recommendations from local government and public health officials.
