It’s a good idea to try to be more active and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Staying active is good for your physical and mental health.
Canada’s 24-Hour Movement Guidelines has recommendations for physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep for different ages and groups.
There are many great ways to be active all over Alberta all year long. Go outdoors for a walk or a bike ride. Explore a new trail, walk and pick berries, or go mountain biking, canoeing, or kayaking. Are your family or friends up for some fun? Try orienteering, geocaching, or other adventure games. Winter in Alberta brings more fun activity options. Try dressing warm and go outside. Check out hard-to-reach places on snowshoes and skis, or go skating.
It’s never too early or too late to start. Activity is good for any age, ability, season, or place.
Benefits to being active outdoors
You don’t need a membership to a recreation complex or fitness centre to stay active and healthy. Outdoor physical activity, like going for a walk, is an easy, low-cost way to boost your physical and mental health. Use your outdoor space to its fullest. You may be surprised what you’ll discover when you’re walking, cycling, or skiing.
Being active outdoors can improve your fitness and brings other health benefits, such as:
- support your mental health
- increase your energy levels
- lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer
- increase vitamin D, which may help prevent bone problems, heart disease, and diabetes
Being active outdoors can also make you feel good and want to get involved in your community. It can help children get to know their neighbourhood better, which can make them more self-confident.
If you want to stay inside to be active, there are lots of
exercise and physical activity ideas you can try, including some for
cold weather. Being active indoors can be as easy as moving around to your favourite music or getting off the couch during commercial breaks if you’re watching TV. If you want to set up a home gym, learn about
exercising at home.
Making your community more active
Healthy communities provide all people in Alberta with opportunities to make healthy choices. Any person or group interested in making their community a better, healthier place can help. Great ideas start with one enthusiastic individual and then the momentum spreads. Download the
Alberta Healthy Communities physical activity strategy kit to learn about community projects that work.
Learn more about
building healthy communities in Alberta.
Every little bit helps. One person can make a difference. It’s good for your health and the health of others who join you. Be a champion in your community and encourage others to be active with you.
