ProActive Chiropractic in San Francisco is teaming up with the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. During the month of May, we challenge you to include 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Physical activity not only increases your chances of living longer, it also reduces your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Based on the 2001 California Health Interview Survey, more than half of all adults (61% of men and 56% of women) reported weight gains of more than 20 pounds as adults. On top of that, the annual cost of medical care attributable to obesity in California is estimated to be almost $7.7 billion.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Moderate activity includes walking fast, dancing, or one of my new favorites trampoline (I think it’s impossible to jump on a trampoline without a huge smile — an added perk). Do strengthening activities, like sit-ups and push-ups, at least 2 days a week. By getting active, you will sleep better, strengthen your bones, and lower your risk of depression.
Dr. Andrew Cohen says, “Try this for the month you’ll notice how much better you feel. You should notice decreased aches and pains and more energy. It is important that you listen to your body and start slow, and if you have sharp pain get it checked out. ‘No pain, no gain’ does not apply to sharp pain.”
No matter what shape you are in, together we can rise to the challenge to get more active during the month of May.