Five ReasonsTo Stay Active by Mindy Hermann, R.D. (NAPSA)—In my 20s, I made annual resolutions to become more active and usually broke each one within the first few weeks of the year. Then a friend’s innocent com- ment—“After 30, it’s a fight against gravity”’—hit home, and I’ve been active ever since. I am certain that physical activity helps me maintain my weight. For me, it is also a great stress reliever. And surpris- ingly, the only thing that relieves a headache or midafternoon fatigue is a Mindy Hermann long walk or an hour at the health club. Your personal benefits may be different, but here are five of the best reasons to stay active and whyactivity can benefit your daily routine: 1. Cardiovascular fitness— Cardiovascular fitness meansthat your heart, lungs and blood vessels are in good health. Aerobic activities that increase your breathing help build up these important organs. 2. Strength building—Physical activity strengthens and tones muscles so they can work longer without tiring. Stronger muscles can lift things moreeasily. 3. Flexibility—Building flexibility by stretching muscles helps protect them from strains and keeps them limber. People who are flexible may be better able to perform daily activities such as tying shoes and reaching down to pick up itemsfrom thefloor. Activities To Try Cardiovascular: dancing, elliptical machine Strength:free weights, machine circuit Flexibility: yoga, stretching Bone Building: walking, snowboarding Energy:all exercises @ 4. Bone building—Bones become stronger through “weightbearing” activities that rely on feet and legs to support the body’s weight. The pull on bones by stronger muscles helps build bone strength. 5. Energy—Physical activity boosts “feel good” chemicals in the body. Which activities are best for you? “Thebest activities are those that you enjoy,” says Chris Rosenbloom, Ph.D., R.D., a professor in the Division of Nutrition at the College of Health and HumanSciences, Georgia State University. “Walking, swimming and cycling are all popular activities. And don’t be afraid to try any sport that interests you.” Dr. Rosenbloom encourages adults who have been inactive to start slowly and gradually build up the duration andintensity of exercise. Exercising in the morning? Have a low-fat breakfast of Whole Grain Total, fruit and skim milk before or shortly after your activities, for a nutritious start to the day. Mindy Hermann, MBA, RD, is a nutrition writer for women’s, health andfitness magazines. She is the co-author of “Change One” and the American Medical Associ- ation’s “Family Health Cookbook.” Note to Editors: This is Series VI—12 of26.
