Fitness

Physical fitness is a must do in your goals to get healthier for the long-term.  You may not be able to bend or move in the same way that other people can. It may be hard to find clothes and equipment for exercising. You may feel self-conscious being active around other people. Facing these challenges is hard—but it can be done!  If you can’t do an activity, don’t be hard on yourself. Feel good about what you can do. Be proud of pushing yourself up out of a chair or walking a short distance.  Pat yourself on the back for trying even if you can’t do it the first time. It may be easier the next time!

How to get started:

·         Begin slowly. Your body needs to adjust to new activity.

·         Warm up. Warm-ups get your body ready for action. Shrug your shoulders, tap your toes, swing your arms, or march in place. You should spend a few minutes warming up for any activity—even walking.

·         Cool down. Slow down little by little. If you have been walking fast, walk slower to cool down. Or stretch for a few minutes. Cooling down may protect your heart, relax your muscles, and keep you from getting hurt.

·         Set goals. Set short-term and long-term goals. A short-term goal may be to walk 5 minutes at least 3 days for 1 week. A long-term goal may be to walk 30 minutes most days of the week by the end of 6 months.

·         Track progress. Keep a journal of your activity. You may not feel like you are making progress but when you look back at where you started, you may be pleasantly surprised!

·         Fit activity into your daily life. Plan ahead and try to be active when it works best for you.

·         Get support. Get a family member or friend to be active with you. It may be more fun, and an exercise buddy can cheer you on.