swigg-grl guide to fitness
Maybe you love to exercise – or maybe you’d rather be dropped into a pool of wriggling worms! However, being active is important. It keeps you fit in body and mind, helping to build bones, brawn and brain. Exercise can also give your mood a boost, making it a great way to blast PMS!
Yoga, biking, running, swimming, surfing, skateboarding, dancing, playing soccer, tennis, volleyball…. Even plain old walking does the trick.
Aim for at least 60 minutes each day — it doesn’t have to be done all at once — working up to it if you’re new to exercise. (And, if you’re exercising vigorously, you don’t need to do quite as much.)
Try to include the different types of movement:
- flexibility (yoga, stretching, dancing),
- endurance (walking, skating, tennis, swimming), and
- strength (weight training, carrying your backpack, climbing stairs).
Remember, everything counts! You don’t have to go to the gym or be on a sports team. Everyday activities like cleaning your room or walking around the mall are all part of healthy, active living. So even if you don’t aspire to be an Olympic athlete (or even if you do!), find something you love to do, then get out there and do it — every day!
So get moving already! ;)
- Be inspired by Lolo Jones – Olympic hurdler and cover model. Check out this video.
- Born to run? Read the Running Life article, “Running your best in the teen years”.
- Try this move! The Forward Lunge & Twist.
- How much exercise is enough? What counts? Find out, and get more active living ideas: Canada’s Physical Activity Guide, and Canada’s Physical Activity Guide for Youth (ages 10-14).
- Check out these fun active living guides.
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