Exercise Tips

Who should exercise?

Everyone! Exercise can provide numerous benefits such as:

Lowering blood pressure
Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
Reducing the risk of developing diabetes
Controlling/reducing weight
Strengthening muscles and bones
Improving pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other areas of chronic pain
Improving mood and mental health
Decreasing the risk of falls
If you have a heart or lung condition, or certain symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing with exercise, you should discuss these with your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program.

Children (age 6-17): 60 minutes or more of physical activity per week + muscle strength training 3 days per week + bone strengthening activities 3 days per week
Adults (age 18-64): 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week + muscle strength training 2 times per week OR 75 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise per week + muscle strength training 2 times per week
Older adults (age 65 and older): 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week + muscle strength training 2 times per week OR 75 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise per week + muscle strength training 2 times per week.

Moderate intensity exercise: brisk walking, water aerobics, light biking, playing tennis, mowing the lawn
Vigorous intensity exercise: jogging, running, swimming laps, intense biking, playing basketball
Muscle strength training: weight lifting, resistance bands
Bone strengthening: jumping rope, jumping jacks, running

For those with back pain or chronic pain, low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming and water aerobics may be best.

Start slowly and work your way up in intensity and length of exercise time.
Stay well hydrated and make sure you are following a healthy diet.
Wear good, supportive footwear.
Wear appropriate protective equipment, such as a helmet for biking, knee and elbow pads for rollerblading, etc.
If you are outside, don’t forget to wear sunscreen.