Physical activity ideas

There are more ways than you might think for you and your family to get enough physical activity to keep healthy. Here are a few ideas:

Take a walk. Walking is one of the simplest activities to get the ball rolling. All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and a pleasant walking trail. Take a walk after lunch and dinner, or get off one bus stop early on your way to work.

Make a play for it. You might have flown a kite or thrown a Frisbee as a kid – why not now? Once in the park, you might see other activities that encourage you and your family to have fun exercising.

Start a family health club. Gather your family together one evening or weekend and make up a list of activities that everyone can enjoy. Put your list on the fridge with a calendar and plan for evenings when you can try a new activity. For example, your list might include softball, cycling, tennis, or basketball. A list of fun activities will be more beneficial to your family than a list of favourite TV shows.

Support the sports. Most sports activities increase your physical fitness, contribute to heart and bone health, and help you maintain a healthy body weight. And you don't need to be a professional athlete to benefit from team or individual sports. Participating in individual or team recreational sports, such as baseball, tennis, soccer, cycling, swimming, or running, is an excellent way to increase your level of physical activity and fitness. Team sports are also a great way to meet others who are motivated to stay fit. Visit your closest community recreational centre or sports club for more information on organized individual or team sports.

Just the basics. Scientific evidence suggests that even low-intensity, general lifestyle activities have health benefits. You can stay healthy with activities such as:

  • gardening and yard work
  • leisure activities such as golf, tennis, or bowling
  • housework
  • dancing
  • walking up stairs

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