Curry Health Center

10 Reason to Get Moving

1.) You’ll have more energy. Being active improves your energy level, mood and overall attitude.
2.) You’ll stay stronger. Active people have more muscle mass and less fat, and will stay stronger throughout their life.
3.) You’ll handle stress and anxiety better. Activity reduces feelings of depression and anxiety and promotes psychological well being.

4.) You’ll increase your immunity. Active people tend to have fewer colds and respiratory infections.
5.) You’ll improve your cholesterol levels. Activity boosts your HDL (good) cholesterol and lowers overall cholesterol.
6.) You’ll reduce your risk for developing high blood pressure.
7.) You’ll reduce your risk for developing diabetes. Activity helps with weight loss and can improve blood sugar levels. Both factors significantly reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes.
8.) You’ll build stronger bones. Regular weight bearing activity (like walking) can reduce your risk for osteoporosis.
9.) You’ll sleep better. Studies show activity improves sleep quality, duration, and ease of falling to sleep. However, it is best to not exercise right before bed.
10.) You may live longer and you’ll certainly live better. Activity is linked to the reduction of many chronic diseases.

Staying Motivated:

 The first 2-4 weeks are the most critical period to sticking with a physical activity program. Plan to maintain your program. Plan to maintain your program for at least a month to give yourself a good chance of “sticking with it”.

 New behaviors take about six months to lock in. Continue to dedicate yourself to the program for six months. If you do, you are more likely to make activity a lifelong habit.

 If you skip a few days because of illness, work, school, or other obligations, get back into your routine as soon as you can. The more days you miss the harder it is to return to your walking routine. After a break in routine, exercising for two days in a row will make the third day easier to achieve.

 If you slip off program for a time, forgive yourself and begin again.

 Keep a walking log to monitor your progress.

 Bring a pair of walking shoes with you to school or work so you always have them handy.

 Schedule your walking time into your daily calendar.

 Reward yourself. Each month, particularly for the first six months, reward yourself for sticking with your walking program goals.

 If you have reached your goal of 10,000 steps a day or a specific distance or speed, consider increasing your daily step goal or try walking faster or including hills.

 Making walking FUN see “Steps to Success”.

Program Guide

1. Getting Started
2. Programs
3. Getting off on the Right Foot
4. Preparation
5. Building Healthy Habits
6. Moving Motivation
7. Steps To Success
8. Going the Distance
9. Personal Step Logs - weekly - monthly

For more information contact Linda Green or Julee Stearns in the Curry Health Center’s Health Enhancement Dept. (406) -243-2809