LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames encourages people to stay healthy all year long by participating in their favorite physical activities or trying new ones.
“Surveys have shown about 25 percent of American adults report doing little or no regular physical activity at work or during leisure time,” Reames said.
Being active has health benefits for all ages, according to experts.
A further increase in physical activity is recommended to sustain weight loss in adulthood, she added, explaining that means at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily moderate-intensity physical activity while not exceeding caloric intake requirements.
Reames points out that regular physical activity has these health benefits:
–Increases physical fitness.
–Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints.
–Builds endurance and muscular strength.
–Helps manage weight.
–Lowers risk factors for cardiovascular disease, colon cancer and type 2 diabetes.
–Helps control blood pressure.
–Promotes psychological well-being and self-esteem.
–Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
“The activity doesn’t have to be high-intensity, since moderate-intensity physical activity has substantial health benefits,” Reames said.
“Physical activity also may include three to six 10-minute segments of moderate-intensity activity for a total of 30 to 60 minutes,” she said.
“The accumulated total is what is important – both for health and for burning calories.”
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