Physical activity – Active living

Benefits of being active

Physically active lifestyles have been linked to a decreased likelihood of health problems, including type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, obesity and osteoporosis. Benefits of physical activity include:

• Better health;
• Improved fitness;
• Better posture and balance;
• Better self-esteem;
• Weight control;
• Stronger muscles and bones;
• Feeling more energetic;
• Relaxation and reduced stress;
• Continued independence in life;
• Lower risk of chronic disease; and
• Improved sleeping habits.

How to get active

Here are 10 tips for becoming physically active –

1. Get started with some gentle stretching.
2. Explore what types of community activities are available.
3. Rely on the support of others – ask a friend to participate with you so you can encourage each other.
4. Don't be overly ambitious, set realistic goals.
5. Each day, pick a time that's convenient for you and commit to participating in some type of physical activity.
6. Mark your activity times on a calendar.
7. Try shorter, more frequent sessions rather than the occasional prolonged session.
8. Make use of everyday movement opportunities such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
9. Prepare yourself for a few lapses but don't give up.
10. You cannot just eat your way to good health – exercise must go hand-in-hand with good nutrition.

Active living resources

Alberta

• Alberta Centre for Active Living
• Be Fit for Life Network, Alberta's Source for Active Living – Provincial Fitness Unit
• Healthy U
• Activate Your Community– Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks & Wildlife Foundation
• Shape Alberta (Safe Healthy Active People Everywhere) – Information on getting kids active

National

• Physical Activity 
• Canada's Food Guide
• Childhood obesity
  • Our Health Our Future: A National Dialogue on Healthy Weights
  • Curbing Childhood Obesity: A FPT Framework for Action to Promote Healthy Weights
• Physical Activity Guide 
• Health Promotion