Exercise: A Beginner’s Guide
National Physical Fitness & Sports Month 2018
STOP reading this if you have no interest in improving your heart health, building strength, experiencing a happier disposition, even losing a little weight.
If you’re still reading – good news! This article will help introduce regular physical activity to your day WITHOUT going to the gym or buying expensive workout equipment.
Benefits of Exercise
Experts agree that regular physical activity has numerous health benefits. For youth, exercise can improve bone health, heart health and build strong muscles. Adults who exercise can lower their risk of heart disease, diabetes, even some types of cancer. And for older adults, regular physical activity can mean fewer falls and improved cognitive functioning.
Lose 5%, Gain A LOT
And what about the weight you stand to lose? Did you know that losing even 5% of your weight (10 lbs for a 200 lb person) can significantly improve your overall health? It can:
- Ease the pressure on your joints reducing your risk for arthritis (or easing the symptoms of arthritis if you already have it)
- Raise the “good” cholesterol and lower your blood pressure
- Help you sleep better and ease the effects of sleep apnea
- Improve your mood
- Help reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes
- Plus, modern research suggests that it can even reduce your risk for certain types of cancer.
Before You Begin
If you are over the age of 50 or have been unhealthy, talk to your physician before beginning an exercise regimen. Immediately cease exercising and call 911 if you experience dizziness, chest pain, nausea, vomiting or shortness of breath.
Finally, start slow! The point of introducing exercise into your daily routine is to build healthy habits that will help you in the long term, NOT to see extreme results immediately.
So check out our slideshow below to get started … and Happy Exercising!
Slideshow: Beginner’s Guide to Exercise
This health center is a Health Center Program grantee under 42 U.S.C. 254b, and a deemed Public Health Service employee under 42 U.S.C. 233(g)-(n).
Our Primary Care Providers:
Dr John Jones DO
Dr. Anne Maiden DO, FAAP
William McGinnis FNP
Cleopatra Park PNP
Debra Rodgers-Herington FNP
Hours and Locations:
All locations have bilingual staff
Central Phoenix
3807 N. 7th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Valle del Sol Mi Salud Clinic
Monday: 7am-7pm
Tuesday: 7am-7pm
Wednesday: 7am-7pm
Thursday: 7am-7pm
Friday: 7am-5pm
Saturday: 8am-12pm
South Phoenix
1209 S. 1st Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Valle del Sol Red Mountain Service Center
Tuesday: 8am-5pm
Wednesday: 7am-12:30pm
Thursday: 7am-4pm
Friday: 7am-4pm
4th Saturday: 8 am-Noon
Pharmacy Hours
Monday – Wednesday: 8:30am-5pm
Thursday & Friday: 7:30am-4pm
West Phoenix
502 N. 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85009
502
Monday: 8am-7pm
Tuesday: 8am-7pm
Wednesday: 8am-7pm
Thursday: 8am-7pm
Friday: 8am-5pm