Variety and Intensity…Sounds Like Alaska!
Now that the weather has turned sunny, Alaskans are gardening, rowing, hula-hooping, and more. How many different activities have you engaged in this spring? Being active your way can include cleaning the garage and hauling everything out for a yard sale. Marching in the 4th of July parade counts, even bending and reaching for candy tossed from floats, especially if you give it away!
Intensity counts, too, so step it up. For example, walking for 30 minutes at less than 2 miles per hour can earn 73 points in the national fitness competition called the President’s Challenge, but the same person walking 2-5 miles per hour earns 110 points. A larger person earns even more points. Multiply this by five or more days a week and you are increasing your points by 185! Even more dramatic is biking. Biking at less than 12 miles per hour for 30 minutes can earn 145 points, while increasing to 12-16 miles per hour earns 260 points or more. In one week, you could earn 575 more points just by increasing the speed instead of increasing the time. You can always throw in a couple hills, too.
So if you think you can’t spend more time being active, then spend more energy by increasing the intensity. It will help you reach your goal rather than that free piece of candy tossed from the floats!
Physical Activity Resources
- Quick Ways to Help Your Heart
- Arthritis Tips
- Stress Less By Adding More
- Bike Safety
- Safe Routes to School
- Bear Safety
- Water Safety
- Boating Safety
- School's Out… School's Out… Teachers let the Students Out!
- Body Mass Index Calculator
- Exercises at Your Workstation
Many office workers have jobs where they sit or stand for long periods. Working in one position can lead to muscle pain and strain. Exercises done at the desk can help. - Physical Activity for Everyone!
Who ever said physical activity is all work and no play? In fact, it can be just the opposite! There is no need to think of strenuous exercise or boring workouts. Instead, imagine doing fun physical activities you enjoy and watch the health benefits follow! -
Stand Up (more) and Eat (better)
The Stand Up (more) & Eat (better) web site is an educational and participatory site to help people balance the calories they eat with the calories they burn each day. You can learn to:- Stand up more (i.e., sit less)
- Find simple ways be physically active in different places
- Add more moderate and vigorous exercise into your daily life
- Make the most of your daily calories by choosing nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods
- Eat proper portions
- Reduce excess fat and sugar in your diet
- Live in settings that foster active living and healthy eating habits
- Use proven tools and programs that will help you adopt healthier habits