Getting Fit

Getting Started
Find out where you fall in the stages of change in adding physical activity to your life. After you have figured out the stage you are in, click on the appropriate link at the bottom of the page for more ideas and suggestions. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Tips for Exercise Success
Useful tips for achieving the health benefits of exercise. (American Heart Association)

How Active Do I Need to Be?
A table of recommendations on how to increase your physical activity based on your current activity level, and descriptions of moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

My Fitness
What fitness type best describes your lifestyle? Get recommendations for getting the greatest benefit from physical activity in your daily life. (American Heart Association)

Physical Activity and Older Adults
Recommendations for older adults on cardiorespiratory, flexibility, and strength training exercise, keeping a young heart, and how physical activity can help seniors age successfully. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Ready to Get Strong?
Interactive Questionnaire: If you are planning to become much more physically active than you are now, start by answering these seven questions. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Health Benefits of Physical Activity

Why Should I be Active?
A brief listing of ways that regular physical activity can improve health and reduce the risk of premature death. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Can Inactivity Hurt My Health?
Data on physical inactivity trends among adults and youth in the United States. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

U.S. Physical Activity Statistics
This U.S. map displays the prevalence of people in each state meeting physical activity recommendations. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity: Overweight and Obesity-What You Can Do
Information and statistics on overweight, obesity, and physical activity. This site also lists ways to balance calorie intake and activity level. (Office of the U.S. Surgeon General)

Exercise and a Healthy Heart
How moderate exercise can help the heart get stronger after heart failure, and other important health benefits of exercise. (American Heart Association)

Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health: Questions and Answers
Various questions about physical activity answered by the American Heart Association. (American Heart Association)

Healthy Heart Workout Quiz
Test your knowledge of physical activity facts. (American Heart Association)

Everyday Activity Ideas

Walking: A Step in the Right Direction
Useful tips for getting started on a walking program and why walking is beneficial. (National Institutes of Health)

Physical Activity in Your Daily Life
Ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily life at home, at the office, or at play. (American Heart Association)

General Physical Activities Defined by Level of Intensity (PDF - 1.4K)
This chart gives a listing of various physical activities and their levels of intensity. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Physical Activity Calorie Use Chart
This chart shows the approximate calories used per hour by a 100, 150, and 200 pound person engaging in a particular activity. (American Heart Association)

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