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Active LA Seniors

Personal Fitness

There are many ways to enjoy being active.

Physical activity options go far beyond jogging, biking and playing soccer - finding activities that are right for you key. It's easy - all you have to do is get started!

Build activity back into your life by walking more, washing your car, gardening, dancing, and even cleaning your house! More tips.

Here are some free fitness training tools that offer easy ways for you to get started:

Stretching
Everyday exercises for busy people
Strength Training
Waist to hip ratio measurements
Kids in Action and Exercise Breaks for Kids
Find your Body Mass Index (BMI).
10-Minute Lift-Offs! to do at work or home

Remember to follow these recommendations:

Get at least 30-60 minutes of moderate physical activity everyday*. Select activities that your family enjoys doing together like walking, swimming, biking, dancing, or gardening.
Understand the energy balance equation: to lose weight, you must use more energy than you take in; to maintain your weight, your calorie intake must equal your energy output.
Start every day with a healthy breakfast and eat meals with your kids.
Learn to read food labels so you buy foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, and salt, and high in fiber.
Reduce your family’s intake of sodas and fruit juice drinks. If you drink milk, drink low-fat or non-fat milk.
Limit TV watching and video games to less than 2 hours a day and avoid eating in front of the TV.
Learn the size of a recommended portion so you don’t overeat, and don’t “supersize” when eating out.
Eat 2 cups (4 servings) of fruits; 2 ½ cups (5 servings) of vegetables and at least 3 servings of whole grain each day.

If you have been inactive for a while... use a sensible approach by starting out slowly.

Begin by choosing moderate-intensity activities you enjoy the most. By choosing activities you enjoy, you'll be more likely to stick with them.
Gradually build up the time spent doing the activity by adding a few minutes every few days or so until you can comfortably perform a minimum recommended amount of activity (30 minutes per day).
As the minimum amount becomes easier, gradually increase either the length of time performing an activity or increase the intensity of the activity, or both.
Vary your activities, both for interest and to broaden the range of benefits.
Explore new physical activities.
Reward and acknowledge your efforts.