5 Simple Ways to Stay Active and Maintain Regular Physical Activity

Did you know less than half of the adults in the U.S. meet the Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic physical activity?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meanwhile, reports that adults require a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly. You can break up that tally over the course of the week. It’s also vital to get two days of muscle-building activity weekly.

Considering the potential health complications that can rear their ugly heads if you don’t get sufficient physical activity regularly, it pays to learn how to up your physical activity. The good news is there are many ways to do so.

Continue reading to see five ways to incorporate physical activity into your day.

1. Walking or Hiking

Walking or hiking is a great way to get some of the physical activity your body needs for optimal health. Get on a good pair of shoes, wear the right gear, bring a bottle of water, and get some exercise. Whether you go alone or with a group, walking or hiking is a great physical activity. You can do it around the block, at a park, or in nature.

When walking around in an area with lots of foot and vehicle traffic, you must exercise caution. Pedestrians face risks you must be aware of. In 2022, for instance, 7,522 pedestrians were killed in traffic collisions. The source adds that pedestrian deaths have climbed 83% since 2009.

If you’re ever injured despite your best efforts to stay safe, consult a personal injury lawyer specializing in helping people who are victims of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians get the short end of the stick in traffic accidents, so being careful and getting help if trouble arises is vital.

2. Biking

Biking can reduce the odds of getting cancer, heart disease, depression, or other serious conditions. The same source notes that biking to your place of employment can burn as much fat as spending 40 minutes at a gym five days weekly.

You can bike to work, around the block, to the store, and elsewhere. It’s a fun activity that affords health and disease-prevention benefits. And it’s something you can do on your own or with others.

3. Swimming

Swimming ranks in the fourth slot on the list of the most popular recreational sports. Walking, running, and cycling are numbers one, two, and three, respectively.

Meanwhile, around 91 million Americans over 16 years old swim annually. Because swimming requires using many of your body’s muscles, it offers a full body workout. Learning to swim can make family vacations more fun since excursions to nations with beaches mean opportunities to swim. Otherwise, you can enjoy this physical activity in a swimming pool.

4. Playing with Pets

Almost seven in 10 households in the U.S. — 66% — own a pet. It might not surprise you to learn that dogs are the most popular pets — followed by cats. While pet owners don’t have to be convinced about the benefits of owning pets, you may not be aware of the physical health benefits.

Playing with your pets can be physically enriching for you and your pets. Running, walking, and playing fetch are fun activities that can contribute to the physical activity you need for good health.

5. Active Video Games

You can get gaming consoles that include titles that allow participants to get up, get moving, and get active. Interactive fitness games are a great way to encourage physical activity.

These are five ways you can get the physical activity you need and have fun while so doing. While you’re at it, get your loved ones moving more, too. The family that plays together, stays together.