Physical Activity Promotion

Experience the Rush of Physical Activity

There are so many great things about physical activity, including the feeling you get after a good workout. Some people call it a natural rush, and if you have never experienced it, it is hard to imagine. After exercising, many people report less stress, irritation, depression and anxiety, and they feel better about themselves and can concentrate better. Regular physical activity lowers our chance of being obese or getting heart disease (which can lead to heart attacks), diabetes and some cancers. Physical activity gives us more energy, and uses up fat for fuel.

So, Why Aren’t People More Active?

Almost 60% of people living in Florida do not get enough physical activity. With the advances of modern technology (automobiles, washing machines, dishwashers, televisions with remote controls and computers, to name a few), we have less and less to do each day that get our hearts pumping and our muscles flexing. We have become a society of couch potatoes! Physical activity patterns are set early in life, and it takes creativity, and determination, to change them. The most common reason people give for not exercising is lack of time.

What Can We Do?

We can all help get the word out: The Centers for Disease Control and the American College of Sports Medicine agree that every American should get thirty (30) or more minutes of moderate physical activity on all or most days of the week. These thirty minutes can be broken into fifteen or ten minutes two or three times a day, and can be as simple as walking around the neighborhood, track or office building.

The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Chronic Disease, is also working to promote physical activity in Florida. We work with the 67 Florida county health departments to promote physical activity in their communities, with their clients and with their employees. We provide county health departments with the materials and information they need to help their communities begin to be more physically active. We also participate in the Florida Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity, and we work with other agencies (Department of Education) and organizations (American Heart Association) that have similar goals.

Over the last twenty-five years, studies have shown over and over again that human beings need physical activity!.

Ten Tips To Help You Get Started!

1. The best time to start is NOW! Start with small realistic goals, and slowly increase the time that you exercise, the frequency (how often) and the intensity (how hard you are working).
2. Surround yourself with support. Ask a friend or family member to join you. Ask your family to help you as you make time for physical activity.
3. Do it your way. If you can’t find time for an aerobics class, make time for what you think you will enjoy. If you try walking in the local mall-walking program and find that it doesn’t suit you, try walking in your neighborhood or around the school track.
4. Set realistic goals. Don’t try to do too much too soon. You will end up with sore muscles and risk injury.
5. Work your heart. Choose an activity that gets your heart pumping. (see the information on this website on working in your target heart rate zone). If you choose to walk, walk briskly! Try to work out at least three times per week.
6. Build your strength and flexibility. Always take time to warm up and cool down. Stretching is a great way to do both, and it increases flexibility. Working with weights is a great way to increase muscle strength, which is another important component of physical fitness.
7. Pick an activity that you enjoy!! You’ll stick with it longer, and enjoy your physical activity time more!
8. Keep it up! Be determined to stick with it. If illness or other problems prevent you from doing your exercise, start back as soon as you are able. Remind yourself of the reasons you are exercising, and all of the benefits.
9. Reward yourself when you achieve your goals!
10. You CAN DO IT! Even if you have had a hard time, or had a bad experience in the past, know that you can do it NOW! Remember that physical activity can help make you healthier and happier!

For more information about physical activity and physical activity promotion, contact the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention.