Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Chrisy Myhand, RN, BSN
Thibodaux Regional Fitness Center

Lose weight. Exercise more. Sound familiar? That’s probably because those are the most popular New Year’s resolutions. Despite good intentions, the same two are also the most commonly broken.

Without increased physical activity the average person typically has difficulty losing weight. When you exercise, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.

Exercise also helps prevent or manage other health conditions. Being active boosts high-density lipoproteins—HDL, the good cholesterol—and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This keeps blood flowing to lower cardiovascular disease risk.

Other benefits of a regular exercise regimen include:

• Lower risk of stroke, certain types of cancer, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes

• Less anxiety and stress

• Management of arthritis

• Reduced risk of falls

• Improved cognitive function

• Better mood

• Boosts energy

• Promotes better sleep

• Increased socialization

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physical activity is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and live longer. Statistics show half of all American adults have one or more preventable chronic diseases. Yet, seven of the ten most common diseases tend to improve with regular exercise.

Moving more and sitting less is key to healthier, longer lives for all ages, races and genders.

This year, instead of making a personal resolution to exercise more, make a choice for the entire family to get healthier by moving more and sitting less. Let’s get moving!

Guidelines for all ages:
The US Department of Health and Human Services promotes regular physical activity for ages 3 and up. The department’s guidelines provide specific recommendations for three primary age groups and classifies activities according to intensity levels, aerobic, bone strengthening, muscle strengthening and balance.

Research shows that health benefits start immediately after exercising, and even short periods of physical activity boost longevity. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, but any physical activity is better than nothing.

Exercise, at all ages, is key to a healthier life. However, if you have concerns about your physical abilities or have not exercised in a long time, check with your doctor before starting any new program.

Along with state-of-the-art fitness amenities at Thibodaux Regional Fitness Center, the Wellness Center offers WellFit customized plans to help improve overall health and wellness and to reduce medical risks. Download a brochure from our website at thibodaux.com or call 985-493-4765.