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| The Canadian Physical Activity Guide recommends
that adults get 60 minutes of physical activity every day to stay healthy
or to improve your health. As you progress to moderate activities,
you can cut down to 30 minutes a day, 4 days a week. Add up your activities
in periods of at least 10 minutes each. Start slowly and build up. |
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| Being active before pregnancy can make
it easier to stay active during pregnancy. Even a little regular activity
can strengthen your heart, body and bones and help keep you at a healthy
weight. Being active is a good habit to get into. It is like brushing
your teeth; you do it every day to keep healthy. Moving your body can
also bring down your stress level. If you are active on a regular basis,
your labour and delivery will likely be easier. If you get active now
and stay active, you will be a good role model for your children. Being
active is important. |
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Turning
plans into action
Think about what you would like to do to be active, who you might
ask to join you, what may stop you, and how you can make sure you meet
your activity goals.
Remember, staying active is part of everyday life that carries with
you for years and years to come.
Note: Activity that is too vigorous can make it hard to get pregnant, especially
for women with low body fat. This rare problem is usually short lived and less
activity can help. This is not the time to aim for peak physical fitness or train
for an athletic event.
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Finding
your physical activity personality |
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Activity is a BIG part of every
day. I need to check with my health care provider to see what
is safe for me. |
2
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I enjoy small
amounts of activity regularly AND I'm happy with my level of
activity. |
3
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I think activity is boring BUT
I'm interested in increasing my activity level. |
4
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I want to enjoy
regular activity BUT I am too busy to fit any more into my life. |
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Stand instead of sit. |
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Stroll instead of stand. |
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Walk whenever you can- get
off the bus early, use the stairs instead of the elevator. |
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Dance to music – it can liven up housework. |
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Reduce inactivity for long periods, like watching TV. |
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Choose to walk, wheel or cycle for short trips. |
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Start with a 10-minute walk and gradually increase the time. |
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| Choose activities
that fit with your lifestyle and that you enjoy. Decide what
is right for you. The more activity you do with family or
friends, the more fun you may have. |
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