Stay active, even though it’s winter, AHS says – OkotoksOnline.com

With cool temperatures and snow, it’s tempting to want to hibernate under blankets all winter.

But the Alberta Health Services (AHS) is advising otherwise.

AHS is reminding people of the value of physical activity, even in the wintertime.

While hitting the gym is a common way for people to squeeze in their activity, there are other ways to be healthy that don’t require people to spend hours at the gym or on the treadmill.

It is recommended by experts for people to get at least 2.5 hours (150 minutes) of moderate to vigorous activity per week, and with a bit of planning, this physical activity can be incorporated into daily life.

Even being active for shorter periods of time each day will add up throughout the week.

“A little goes a long way, and consistent, small steps often have the greatest impact on our health,” said AHS in a media release.

Doing moderate to vigorous activities elevates the heartbeat and increases the amount of oxygen going to the heart and muscles, which allows them to work longer than they had previously.

Numerous activities, including many daily activities, that are able to increase the heart rate and keep it elevated for an extended period of time can improve aerobic fitness, which is a type of physical activity that uses large muscle groups in a rhythmic and repetitive way.

When these types of activities are done frequently and long enough, they can increase physical fitness.

It’s important to also encourage children as young as preschool to be physically active, because they, too, benefit from being active, whereas teens and children 5 and up should aim to do an hour of moderate to vigorous activity per day.

AHS has offered up numerous tips to help squeeze in more physical activity per day, such as setting a movement timer that will remind people to get up and stretch at least once an hour.

They also suggest using the commute to work as a way to inject more activity into your life. When possible, they suggest walking or riding a bike to work, or to park several blocks away or get off the bus a few stops early to get in some extra steps each day.

Instead of taking the elevator, it’s suggested people take the stairs, even if it’s just for a few floors, or holding meetings with co-workers during a walk.

Lunchtime and coffee breaks are perfect times to take a quick walk, and when grabbing a coffee or going to the bathroom, take a few extra steps and head to the bathroom or coffee room that is a bit further away.

Finding a workout buddy will help people stay accountable and will act as a reminder to incorporate movement into your life.

AHS says that adding activities into our lives shouldn’t feel like a punishment, so choose enjoyable activities.

As Socrates said, it is a shame for a man to grow old, without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.