- Early death
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
Physical Activity
Everyone needs physical activity to stay healthy
Why is Physical Activity Important?
Physical activity helps you feel better, move more easily, and have more energy.
Among adults and older adults, physical activity can lower the risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Breast and colon cancer
- Falls
- Depression
Among children and teens, physical activity can:
- Help make your bones stronger
- Make your heart, lungs, and muscles work better
- Help regulate body weight and reduce body fat
- Reduce risk of depression
- Improve attention and memory
- Reduce risk of several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and obesity
How Can You Be More Active?
Adults need a mix of physical activity to stay healthy:
- Moderate-intensity aerobic activity — at least 150 minutes a week
- Muscle-strengthening activity — at least 2 days a week
Physical activity doesn’t have to just happen at the gym. Lots of things count! Anything that gets you moving counts as physical activity — even active chores, like gardening or vacuuming! Make a plan to incorporate movement into your day in a variety of ways because every minute counts and any activity is better than none.
So take the first step. Get a little more active each day. MOVE YOUR WAY.
Disclaimer: Move Your Way® and the Move Your Way logo are registered service marks of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Used with permission. Participation by Henry County Public Health does not imply endorsement by ODPHP/HHS.
Move More Indoors
The weather doesn’t always cooperate to exercise outdoors, but there are many websites to help you to exercise indoors if you don’t belong to a gym. Here are a few:
Older Adult Resources
- 15-Minute Chair Exercises for Seniors (video)
- Seated Exercises for Older Adults (video)
- 10-Minute Home Chair Workout for Seniors (video)
- Daily Exercises for Older Adults
Cardio, Strength, Stretching and More
- Videos from ISU Extension and Outreach
- 10-Minute Home Workout
- Strength and Balance Exercises
- Stretches for Exercise and Flexibility
Kids Indoor Exercises
Disclaimer:
The exercise websites listed above are provided for information only. We do not endorse or verify any programs or content. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise routine. Use of these sites is at your own risk, and we are not liable for any injuries or outcomes resulting from their use.
Get Outdoors!
Henry County has a wide variety of parks, playgrounds, green spaces, and outdoor recreation activities. The best part is, most of them are free!
Local Fitness Centers
Do you have Medicaid or Medicare? Your plan may provide a discount for gym memberships – call and ask!
Anytime Fitness
700 N. Grand Ave., Mt. Pleasant
24 hour adult fitness center
anytimefitness.com
319-385-2033
Crossfit Teo
2555 Lexington Ave., Mt. Pleasant
Specializes in crossfit and sport specific training
teomp.com
319-217-9368
The REC Center
200 E. Monroe St., Mt. Pleasant
Family recreation and fitness center with indoor track and pool.
mpreccenter.com
319-385-2960
Kaufman Fitness Center
Wayland
Contact WACO Central Office for memberships
319-256-6201
Wayland Fitness
508 W. Main, Apt. 112, Wayland
319-256-7200
Healthy Eating Resources
Proper nutrition supports physical activity. Learn more by visiting these pages:
Healthy Henry County Communities is a countywide wellness coalition that works on many efforts to increase healthy eating and physical activity among our residents. Some of our members are already working in this area so we help to promote and support their efforts. We plan events like the annual Stride Into Summer Family Walk that brings families to East Lake Park. We collaborated on the list of where to be active in Henry County to emphasize all of the parks, green spaces, playground equipment and other free recreational opportunities. We work together on many different aspects of community wellness.
Healthy Henry County Communities meets the 1st Tuesday of each month from 1-2:30. Contact us if you are interested in learning more and participating!