Behavior Change and Health News


Most Common Exercise Myths

When it comes to exercise, common sense is your best guide. Still, many people are fooled by exercise myths, and some people don’t exercise because of them. The truth is, a moderate amount of physical activity for 30 minutes a day on most days of the week is sufficient to reap tremendous health benefits. If you have trouble finding a 30-minute stretch of time each day to be active, don’t despair. Physical activity can be accumulated throughout the day. Sometimes it is much easier to find 10 minutes three times a day than carve out 30 minutes in one stretch.

Don’t be fooled! Here are some common exercise myths and facts:

  • Myth: Physical activity has to be strenuous to be effective
  • Fact: False! In fact, moderate activities such as brisk walking, dancing, or mowing the lawn improve health. Active Living Every Day classes will teach you how to become healthy by incorporating fun physical activity into your daily life.

  • Myth:Physical activity has to take a lot of time.
  • Fact:False! Actually, research shows that relatively small amounts of physical activity can improve your health. Active Living Every Day classes will show you how to fit physical activity into you schedule in ways that work for you.

  • Myth: Only people with a lot of will power can be physically active.
  • Fact: False! Learning to be physically active isn’t about will power. It’s about skill power. In Active Living Every Day you’ll learn the skills you need to become active for life. Skills such as overcoming barriers to physical activity, setting realistic goals, building confidence, and staying motivated.

  • Myth: Physical activity is boring.
  • Fact: False! Physical activity should be something you enjoy whether it is gardening, dancing, or walking on a treadmill. You’ll be much more likely to stick with your chosen physical activity if it’s fun. There are so many activities to choose from, you’re bound to find something you like.

Active Living Every Day is a behavior change course that will help you become and stay physically active. The program, designed by Human Kinetics and The Cooper Institute, is based on Project Active, a research study that found moderate levels of physical activity to be very effective in promoting health. Participants in the Active Living Every Day course learn to overcome obstacles to active living and incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. You can reap health benefits from physical activity without pain, expense, or huge time commitments. For more information about Active Living Every Day, visit our Active Living Every Day information page.



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