Physical Activity

Physical activity improves health and fitness, helps maintain a healthy body weight and helps reduce the risk for several chronic diseases and conditions.  Physical activity needs vary based on age, but no matter what your needs are, they can be met through different types of activities and varying amounts each week. 

Benefits of regular physical activity include:

• Reducing stress
• Help maintaining healthy body weight
• Lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, overweight and obesity
• Improving strength and endurance
• Building strong bones and muscles
• Building self-esteem

Characteristics of a good physical activity program:

• Frequency - number of times performed weekly
• Intensity - level of effort required
• Time - duration or amount of time
• Type - aerobic, muscle-strengthening, bone-strengthening, flexibility

Visit the Youth, Adults, Older Adults and Sports Nutrition sections for more detailed guidelines. 

 Resources:

• Physical Activity and Health (Source: CDC)
• Getting Physically Active (Source: BlueCross BlueShield of Nebraska)
• Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (Source: Nebraska Forest Service)
• Physical Activity is Fun for the Whole Family (Source: UNL Extension)
• Physical Activity (Source: Choose MyPlate)
• Family Fitness (Source: UNL Extension)
  • Leader Guide
  • Participant Guide
• Be Active Your Way: A Fact Sheet for Adults (Source: DHHS)
• Walk Nebraska
• Youth In Motion

Videos:

• Physical Activity Guidelines (Source: CDC)
• How Can I Fit Exercise Into My Busy Work Day? (Source: UNL Wellness)