Be active!

This month is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, an excellent time to not only get more active, but also to spread the word about the benefits of being active. Regular physical activity in your life can benefit everyone, both young and old.  Physical activity has been proven to help lower the risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.  Plus, it just makes you feel good!

This is nothing like a good swim after a long day!  I nice brisk walk at lunchtime can energize you for the afternoon.  I do this often!  Many folks start the day at some kind of fitness club.  Think about joining them!

I was just talking to the operator of a place called Live Fit here in San Francisco (they have several locations:  Hayes Valley, the Mission, and Nob Hill).  He told me that most people sign up for gym memberships at the start of the year.  The New Year's resolution to get fit sends people out to do it.  What about the rest of the year though?  It is important to be active all the time, not just after celebrating big holidays.  This Live Fit operator was telling me about all the services that are available and I was amazed!  It's not just stationary bikes and treadmills anymore. 

Of course joining a health club is good, but there is so much more that can be done.  Getting involved in a sport or doing that walking I mentioned, or the swimming, or teaming up with a buddy for a specific fitness program.  If you are in ill health or if you are planning on changing your regular habits a great deal, it may be helpful to talk to your doctor first.  Do something though.  Fitness feels so good!