Stay fit this summer with your entire family by incorporating sports and physical activity into your family’s summer schedule.
When you take a walk with your family on a summer evening, you aren’t just having fun, you’re literally taking steps toward feeling better and living longer. That’s why Hudson Physicians is promoting regular physical activity with your family during the summer months.
Physical activity is for everyone
No matter what shape you are in, you can find activities that work for you and your family. Getting started can be as easy as taking a walk or going for a bike ride – just stick to it. Soon you’ll be enjoying the health benefits, no matter your age or body type:
- Children and adolescents – Physical activity can improve muscular fitness, bone health, and heart health.
- Adults – Physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
- Older adults – Physical activity can lower the risk of falls and improve cognitive functioning (like learning and judgment skills).
Despite the positive value of physical activity, 75-80% of the people in Wisconsin don’t get the recommended amount of physical activity. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults:
- Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Moderate activity includes things like walking fast, dancing, swimming, and raking leaves.
- Do muscle-strengthening activities – like lifting weights or using exercise bands – at least 2 days a week.
If your introduction to physical activity this summer makes you want to make fitness a regular part of your day, take a look at the President’s Challenge. No longer solely for youth, it has developed challenges and motivational tips for students and adults, including those with disabilities. For more information, visit President’s Challenge.
Another accessible avenue to fitness is through Community Education, offered by Hudson School District, which has many options tailored to youth or adults. You can find more information about summer classes here.
