Physical Activity
Move throughout the Day!
EVERY MINUTE of physical activity counts toward your daily and weekly goals! Taking opportunities to move throughout the day (stretch, walk, dance, move however you enjoy!), even for just minutes at a time, helps keep your mind and body feeling great! Check out these resources to make the most of your time:
- Movement You Can Do Right at Your Workstation
Check out the video library of workstation movements, or download the Feel-Good Workstation Movements PDF. Check out workstation exercises, healthy computing stretches, and hand and wrist exercises from IU Environmental Health and Safety here. - Opportunities to Move
Integrate small opportunities to move into your day! Examples include parking farther away or taking the "long cut" (instead of a short cut). What opportunities to move will you find today? - Active Breaks that Fuel Your Mind & Body
Check out these ideas for 5-15 minute active breaks! Taking an active break allows our brain and body to recharge, so that when we return to work or studying, we can not only feel better physically and mentally, but we can actually be more focused, productive, and creative.
How Much Physical Activity Do You Need?
Your body was designed for movement. Too many Americans, though, aren’t getting the right amount of physical activity they need to be healthy. Below are the American College of Sports Medicine’s guidelines for fitness.
Cardiorespiratory
- Moderate intensity: Five days per week for 30–60 minutes.
- Vigorous intensity: Three days per week for 20–60 minutes.
- Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. One continuous session and multiple shorter sessions are acceptable. Every minute counts!
Resistance
- Very light or light intensity: Two to three days per week for 8–20 repetitions.
- Train each major muscle group. Very light or light intensity is best for older individuals or previously sedentary adults just starting to exercise.
Flexibility
- Two to three days per week for 10–30 seconds per stretch. Perform each stretch two to four times.
- Each stretch should be held to the point of tightness or slight discomfort. Accumulate 60 seconds per stretch.
Neuromotor
- Two to three days per week for 20–30 minutes.
- “Functional fitness training” involves motor skills: balance, agility, coordination, and gait.
Here’s what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend for adults age 18 to 64:
- 150 minutes of moderate activity (brisk walking) every week.
- Muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups.
That might seem daunting at first, especially if you’re not used to physical activity. The CDC recommends starting slowly, breaking those minutes into smaller chunks throughout the week. Maybe you can do a 10-minute walk, three times a day, five days a week. You could try taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator or walking to get lunch, instead of driving.
Resources
- How to Feel Great All Over!
- Exercise Is Medicine helps people of all levels and abilities move more, stress less, and feel great.