Today’s Healthy Weight Week Tip For Today: Keep Moving, Friend

Here is the Healthy Weight Week Tip for today. Keep Moving, Friend.

Why is Physical Activity Important? (CDC)

Regular physical activity is important for good health, especially if you’re trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight.

• When losing weight, more physical activity increases the number of calories your body uses for energy or “burns off.” Burning calories through physical activity, combined with reducing the number of calories you eat, creates a “calorie deficit” that results in weight loss.
• Most weight loss occurs because of decreased caloric intake. However, evidence shows the only way to maintain weight loss is to be engaged in regular physical activity.
• Most importantly, physical activity reduces risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes beyond that produced by weight reduction alone.

Physical activity also helps to:

• Reduce high blood pressure.
• Reduce risk for several forms of cancer.
• Reduce arthritis pain and associated disability.
• Reduce risk for osteoporosis and falls.
• Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

There are many ways to add physical activity to your day, even with the chill in the air. Here are some favorites: 

• Enroll in NOVA Rec on Canvas for updates on fitness offerings. If you’re already enrolled, look for the newest offerings (updates coming soon). 
• Sign up to access Wellbeats, NOVA’s customized on-demand fitness and wellbeing platform offering classes to faculty, staff and students. To access the Wellbeats Platform, request your personal invitation code at nbaha@nvcc.edu today!
• Join Campus Recreation and Wellness for a 6-Week Challenge. To join, please email “Coach Mac” at cmcalonan@nvcc.edu. The first weigh-in date is today, January 20, 2023.
• Walk around the house, apartment or even in place while brushing your teeth or waiting for your coffee to brew! Click here to learn more about “habit stacking.”
• Watching a TV show with commercials? Walk in place during these broadcast breaks.
• Take advantage of the many no-cost fitness and wellness virtual offerings from AARP.
• Moving Outdoors
  • Move more during the workday. Ideas? Park farther from the entrance, take the stairs and/or take a walk during a lunch break.  
  • H​ere are maps to a selection of trails on our beautiful campuses.
  • Take your four-legged friend out for an extra walk.
  • Take a post-dinner walk-and-talk with a colleague, friend, spouse, or child and/or download an audiobook and listen to a chapter on a walk in the neighborhood.
  • Taking a trip to the grocery store? Park far from the store entrance. Consider your personal safety and always be mindful of your surroundings.
  • Dress for Success. Remember to dress appropriately when exercising outside. 
  • Stay Safe by Being Visible. 
  • Move more during the workday. Ideas? Park farther from the entrance, take the stairs, have a walking meeting or walk over to someone’s office instead of calling or Zooming or Teaming.  
  • Don’t Be Afraid of Seasonal Chores. Get ready now- The snow lovers know that it’s time to strategically place those snow shovels and ice melt in an accessible location for the future big day. 

*As you are on your wellness Journey, please consult your medical provider, who knows your health history. This information is not meant to be prescriptive.

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO), DHTett@nvcc.edu