Physical Activity Archive

A 2024 study suggests that women who engage in the most physical activity—regardless of how it's measured—have significantly lower risks of developing cardiovascular disease or dying early.

Cold weather can lead to stiff, sore muscles. To avoid that, it helps to perform two types of stretches. One type is called dynamic stretching. It involves flowing, repetitive motions that prepare muscles for activity by getting blood, oxygen, and heat to them. The other type is called static stretching. It involves holding a certain position for 20 to 30 seconds, which gently lengthens the muscles to keep them flexible. Static stretching should be performed only after the muscles are warmed up.

People seeking motivation to be more active and connected to their community might consider signing up for a Turkey Trot, a race or "fun run" held on Thanksgiving morning. Most events are 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), and participants can walk all or part of the course. Many feature ways to support a local community charity.

Many yard and gardening tasks—including raking and mowing —require enough effort to count as moderate-intensity exercise. Chores like digging and bagging leaves also help strengthen muscles. A 2023 study found that gardening helps increase physical activity levels, encourages greater fiber intake, and lowers stress and anxiety—all of which reduce the risk of heart disease.

A 2024 study suggested that walking regularly may help stave off repeat episodes of low back pain.

Older adults typically sit for about 65% to 80% of their waking hours. One problem of prolonged sitting is pain due to gluteal amnesia. It occurs from a weak gluteus medius—one of the three gluteal muscles that help stabilize the pelvis and maintain the body's proper alignment. Moving more often during the day and doing exercises that strengthen weak gluteal muscles can help prevent this problem.