Collectively we are one sedentary bunch of people and based on recent research we are getting even more sedentary.  Sedentary means you don’t move your body much.  Being sedentary or physically inactive, is now officially deemed a risk factor for disease.  It has been added to the “Big 3.” 

The “Big 3” risk factors are:

1. Smoking
2. High Cholesterol
3. High Blood Pressure

Now add the fourth risk factor of physical inactivity and you have the Big 4.

Being physically inactive is something we can change very easily.  Changing your life to include physical activity or exercise is absolutely possible.  What happens when the word exercise is mentioned?  When we hear the word “exercise” some tend to shy away from it because a gym filled with physically fit people is the first thing that comes to mind.  This can be intimidating and deters us from going to the gym to workout.  Well, guess what?

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GO TO THE GYM TO GET EXERCISE.  There are many ways to add physical activity to your day.  Some examples include:  walking, jogging, bicycling, kayaking, playing a sport such as basketball, softball, soccer, or volleyball, swimming and dancing.  We just want you to get moving!  

The Federal Physical Activity Guidelines have outlined recommendations as follows:

• A minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week or vigorous-intensity activity at least 75 minutes per week
• Strength training at least twice per week

The ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) has developed a program called, “Exercise is Medicine.”  The goal is to get you moving for health!  The website is www.exerciseismedicine.org.  Exercise videos are available for your viewing pleasure on this website for free.  Take a look! 

To be well you must exercise (be physically active) along with eating healthfully and making lifestyle changes to support and nurture a life of wellness. To learn more go to the NutriShop to purchase your own copy of the book, "A Dietitian's Confessions, Keeping it Real: Five Ways to Balance Your Diet and Balance Your LIfe," which covers, in detail, the three main areas necessary to achieve overall wellness:  Healthy Eating/Good Nutrition, Exercise/Physical Activity and Behavior Modifications/Lifestyle Changes.