Exercise Pyramid and Physical Activity Tips
DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TIPS
- Try not to sit for more than 30 minutes at a time – whether you are working, watching TV or hanging out.
- Couple your activity and exercise with healthy eating habits.
- Using the stairs, walking to class, and parking further away from entrances can all increase daily activity.
- Warm up and cool down should be part of every activity and exercise session.
- Stretching should be completed for 5-10 minutes at the end of each workout.
- If you don’t know how to use a piece of equipment, you increase your risk for injury. Ask someone who is trained to teach you the proper technique.
- Choose activities and exercises that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle.
- Maintain a flexible schedule. Do what you can, when you can. Don’t feel guilty if you miss a day or two: consistent activity over months or years is important.
- Warm-up using sport specific activities: jogging, running, high knees, arm circles, etc.
- Cool down with a lower intensity activity like walking or jogging. Remember to stretch after your activity.
- When strength training, focus on functional training which includes large and various muscle groups. This will help with the dynamic movements of sport.
- Try to do cross training to exercise other muscles in your body and reduce the risk of chronic injuries.