Walking is fun and free! Moderate exercise (such as walking briskly 30 minutes per day) can help improve mood, decrease stress and worry, reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and breast and colon cancer, and osteoporosis. It is important to build up slowly if you have not been exercising recently, and to consult your health care provider before starting an exercise program, especially if you have a heart or lung condition. Walking is wonderful exercise, but if it’s not for you there are countless other great ways to get more movement in your life including:
- swimming
- group exercise classes
- dancing
- tennis
- hiking
- team sports
- gardening
- __________ (your favorite exercise here)
Community centers and parks and recreation districts often have great options for classes, sports and swimming.
- Vancouver/Clark County Parks and Recreation: http://www.cityofvancouver.us/parks-recreation/
- Portland Parks and Recreation: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/
Whatever form of exercise you choose, make sure that it is something that you find fun–there are always days when you won’t want to exercise, but it’s harder to motivate for an activity that you don’t enjoy. Finding a buddy to exercise with you can help with motivation, and make the exercise that much more fun.
