Let's Move Challenge: Gimme Five

Are you trying to be healthier and be more physically active? Being more physically active is something that is being promoted by our First Lady's Let's Move campaign. She completed a #momdance with Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show. She also danced the #GimmeFiveDance on the Ellen Show with Ellen and some of the So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) all-stars and mentors. If you want more information about the First Lady's initiative take a look at Let's Move.

So, how often should I be physically active?

For Cardiovascular Health the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity:

• Aerobic Activity
• > or = 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity at least 5 days per week for a total of 150 minutes per week 
• or 
• > or = 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity at least 3 days per week for a total of 75 minutes per week
• or 
• a combination of both moderate-intensity aerobic activity and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity

• Muscle-Strengthening Activity
• > or = 2 days per week moderate-intensity to high-intensity muscle-strengthening for additional health benefits.

If your goal is to lower blood pressure or cholesterol levels, the AHA recommends "an average 40 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity 3 or 4 times per week." 

Why should I be physically active?
Physical activity has many healthy benefits including lowering blood pressure, raising HDL (the "good" cholesterol), reducing risk of diabetes, and it has been shown to help with weight management. Physical activity is a great way to be social. You can play a team sport,   take a walk with your family, try a group fitness class, or learn something new. Being physically active can be fun! So, find a sport or activity that you enjoy and #movemore. 

Gimme Five
Will you take the #GimmeFiveChallenge? What are 5 things you can do this week to be healthier and live a healthy lifestyle?

Need Some Ideas?
March was National Nutrition Month. Last month we discussed some healthy diet changes to include into our daily lives. To make healthy lifestyle changes, we discussed several ways to be healthy including eating more fruits and vegetables & eating breakfast 7 days per week. A healthy diet is one component of a healthy lifestyle. Another component of a healthy lifestyle is being physically active. Check out these links for more information. 
How will you choose to be healthy today?

Check with your personal RD or MD before starting a new diet or exercise program to make sure it is healthy, safe, and the right choice for you.

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