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Ways to Keep the Whole Family Active, Together
The demands of our daily lives make it tough to get motivated to move for our health. There’s already enough demand of our time with work or school, maintaining a household, and making sure the kids do what they need to do. It’s so much easier to unwind in one place with your eye on everyone.
But if family time is at a premium, adding movement to the routine can be a great way to create some lasting habits that get everyone moving toward better health.
Active Parents Create Active Kids
Kids are truly mirrors of their parents. They will do what they see you do. If you sit around eating fatty foods, glued to the television, they will sit around eating fatty foods, glued to the television.
But if you’re active, they will be active. We understand that can be hard to do when you’re working long hours and taking care of a household on top of that. But the New Year creates opportunities to get yourself moving and make the kids part of the action. Even better, there’s plenty of easy ideas.
Get outside
You might have to schedule some time early on. But make sure to go for a walk as a family right after they get home from school, or after dinner. You might not have to schedule the time after a while.
Limit screen time
It’s an easy way to keep kids occupied but two hours a day is MORE than enough. Keep televisions and electronic media out of your kids’ rooms to encourage them to engage with you.
Choose toys wisely
Gaming systems may be the rage, but balls, skateboards, jump ropes, and kites require kids to get out of the house and move. And you need to go with them.
Do chores together
There’s always work to do around the house. It gets done faster when everyone chips in. It keeps people moving and it keeps your household sharp.
Schedule play time
Think of activities that require movement: a weekly trip to the park, monthly minigolf, or bowling. It’s a fun activity that’s outside the norm, but it requires everyone to move.
Plant a garden
Take advantage of any property you have access to or involve the children in your community garden. It teaches kids about the food system, and they will be excited about eating what they grow. It can also help boost healthy eating habits.
Get Moving
You don’t have to run a marathon or turn into a world-class athlete. You just need to get moving. Getting your kids to move with you will be a great way to keep everyone in the family motivated.
Look around your house and see if there are any items you can incorporate into an exercise routine. You just need a little creativity and the wherewithal to get started.
AltaMed has all manner of resources to help you eat right, move right, and take better care of yourself and your entire family. Let our team of bilingual certified enrollment counselors help you explore program options that work best for you and your family.
Get started by calling AltaMed at (877) 462-2582.
The demands of our daily lives make it tough to get motivated to move for our health. There’s already enough demand of our time with work or school, maintaining a household, and making sure the kids do what they need to do. It’s so much easier to unwind in one place with your eye on everyone.
But if family time is at a premium, adding movement to the routine can be a great way to create some lasting habits that get everyone moving toward better health.
Active Parents Create Active Kids
Kids are truly mirrors of their parents. They will do what they see you do. If you sit around eating fatty foods, glued to the television, they will sit around eating fatty foods, glued to the television.
But if you’re active, they will be active. We understand that can be hard to do when you’re working long hours and taking care of a household on top of that. But the New Year creates opportunities to get yourself moving and make the kids part of the action. Even better, there’s plenty of easy ideas.
Get outside
You might have to schedule some time early on. But make sure to go for a walk as a family right after they get home from school, or after dinner. You might not have to schedule the time after a while.
Limit screen time
It’s an easy way to keep kids occupied but two hours a day is MORE than enough. Keep televisions and electronic media out of your kids’ rooms to encourage them to engage with you.
Choose toys wisely
Gaming systems may be the rage, but balls, skateboards, jump ropes, and kites require kids to get out of the house and move. And you need to go with them.
Do chores together
There’s always work to do around the house. It gets done faster when everyone chips in. It keeps people moving and it keeps your household sharp.
Schedule play time
Think of activities that require movement: a weekly trip to the park, monthly minigolf, or bowling. It’s a fun activity that’s outside the norm, but it requires everyone to move.
Plant a garden
Take advantage of any property you have access to or involve the children in your community garden. It teaches kids about the food system, and they will be excited about eating what they grow. It can also help boost healthy eating habits.
Get Moving
You don’t have to run a marathon or turn into a world-class athlete. You just need to get moving. Getting your kids to move with you will be a great way to keep everyone in the family motivated.
Look around your house and see if there are any items you can incorporate into an exercise routine. You just need a little creativity and the wherewithal to get started.
AltaMed has all manner of resources to help you eat right, move right, and take better care of yourself and your entire family. Let our team of bilingual certified enrollment counselors help you explore program options that work best for you and your family.
Get started by calling AltaMed at (877) 462-2582.
Get started with AltaMed
See how AltaMed Health Services can help your family grow healthy.
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Outdoor Activities You Can Do All Year Long
Quick, think of five things you love about Southern California. If you’re anything like us, the warm, sunny weather probably made your list. While the rest of the country braces for a long, snowy winter, Angelenos can stay healthy and active, January through December. Check out these fun outdoor activities you and your family can enjoy all year long.
Go Swimming
During months when it’s too cold for taking a dip in the ocean, try visiting one of LA’s public or year-round swimming pools. Swimming offers a whole-body workout with no impact on your joints, and many people enjoy swimming well into their senior years. Some facilities offer other activities, such as water fitness, aqua aerobics, and even land-based classes like yoga and Zumba. The City of Los Angeles has 16-year round pools, and adults can show their Los Angeles library cards to get $1.50 off with every visit.
Take a Hike
Thanks to SoCal’s mild winter months, hiking is excellent cardio, no gym required. Beginners have plenty of options such as walking trails in Elysian Park (behind Dodger Stadium) and the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, where you can enjoy incredible, panoramic views of Los Angeles! Together, Griffith Park and the San Gabriel Mountains offer hundreds of miles of trails, with hikes that range from easy and family-friendly to challenging, all-day treks. Be sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time and dress in comfortable, removable layers.
Join a Sports Team
Feeling a little competitive? Try joining a year-round sports league. There are organized outings for many popular sports including soccer, basketball, or baseball, that meet and play every month. Looking to try something new? There are leagues for all kinds of skill levels, so you can learn and have fun at the same time. Playing sports is a fantastic way to burn calories and build muscle, so you’ll stay active and healthy.
Explore a Farmers Market
Farmers markets are a fun way to spend a weekend morning and get some steps in. Many markets, like the Farmer’s Market at Bank of America Plaza in Downtown LA and the East Los Angeles Farmers Market, run year-round, so you can stay fully stocked on healthy ingredients. Take time to walk the entirety of the market and explore stalls of colorful, seasonal produce, canned goods, prepared foods, and more! Look online to see local markets in your area. Loaded up on fresh foods? Check out some of AltaMed’s easy recipe ideas.
Get Moving with Your Furry Friend
No matter the time of year, dogs need to get outside and get moving. If you live in an apartment or don’t always have time to walk your dog twice a day, check out the local dog parks in your area. Both you and your dog will get great exercise walking around and enjoying the outdoors. Remember to come prepared with doggie bags and a leash. Ready for a walk? Try the Arts District Dog Park in Downtown LA, or the Bone Yard in Culver City, considered two of the best dog parks around.
Get Moving and Have Fun!
Staying active all year round is important for your long-term health. Thanks to Southern California’s great weather, finding fun outdoor activities is easy. Invite friends along or take the family, and you’ll find activities to look forward to for years to come. Want to learn more? Check out these other great ideas for staying active and healthy.
Quick, think of five things you love about Southern California. If you’re anything like us, the warm, sunny weather probably made your list. While the rest of the country braces for a long, snowy winter, Angelenos can stay healthy and active, January through December. Check out these fun outdoor activities you and your family can enjoy all year long.
Go Swimming
During months when it’s too cold for taking a dip in the ocean, try visiting one of LA’s public or year-round swimming pools. Swimming offers a whole-body workout with no impact on your joints, and many people enjoy swimming well into their senior years. Some facilities offer other activities, such as water fitness, aqua aerobics, and even land-based classes like yoga and Zumba. The City of Los Angeles has 16-year round pools, and adults can show their Los Angeles library cards to get $1.50 off with every visit.
Take a Hike
Thanks to SoCal’s mild winter months, hiking is excellent cardio, no gym required. Beginners have plenty of options such as walking trails in Elysian Park (behind Dodger Stadium) and the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, where you can enjoy incredible, panoramic views of Los Angeles! Together, Griffith Park and the San Gabriel Mountains offer hundreds of miles of trails, with hikes that range from easy and family-friendly to challenging, all-day treks. Be sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time and dress in comfortable, removable layers.
Join a Sports Team
Feeling a little competitive? Try joining a year-round sports league. There are organized outings for many popular sports including soccer, basketball, or baseball, that meet and play every month. Looking to try something new? There are leagues for all kinds of skill levels, so you can learn and have fun at the same time. Playing sports is a fantastic way to burn calories and build muscle, so you’ll stay active and healthy.
Explore a Farmers Market
Farmers markets are a fun way to spend a weekend morning and get some steps in. Many markets, like the Farmer’s Market at Bank of America Plaza in Downtown LA and the East Los Angeles Farmers Market, run year-round, so you can stay fully stocked on healthy ingredients. Take time to walk the entirety of the market and explore stalls of colorful, seasonal produce, canned goods, prepared foods, and more! Look online to see local markets in your area. Loaded up on fresh foods? Check out some of AltaMed’s easy recipe ideas.
Get Moving with Your Furry Friend
No matter the time of year, dogs need to get outside and get moving. If you live in an apartment or don’t always have time to walk your dog twice a day, check out the local dog parks in your area. Both you and your dog will get great exercise walking around and enjoying the outdoors. Remember to come prepared with doggie bags and a leash. Ready for a walk? Try the Arts District Dog Park in Downtown LA, or the Bone Yard in Culver City, considered two of the best dog parks around.
Get Moving and Have Fun!
Staying active all year round is important for your long-term health. Thanks to Southern California’s great weather, finding fun outdoor activities is easy. Invite friends along or take the family, and you’ll find activities to look forward to for years to come. Want to learn more? Check out these other great ideas for staying active and healthy.
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The Beginners’ FAQs on Cardio Exercise
Cardio. It’s a word that gets used a lot. But what does it really mean? What’s the best kind? And how much is the right amount?
If you don’t know much about exercise or are totally new to it, we want to help you get started by answering some common questions about what cardio does, why you should do it, and how to get the most from it.
What Does Cardio Really Mean?
Cardio is short for cardiovascular – relating to the heart and blood vessels. We call it cardiovascular exercise because it elevates your heart rate and gets your blood flowing for a long period of time. When we talk about cardio, we’re talking about activities like running, walking, jogging, swimming, or dancing.
What’s Good About It?
Cardiovascular exercise is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy! Regular cardiovascular exercise can:
- Boost your self-esteem
- Fight stress
- Help you burn fat and maintain a healthy weight
- Help you sleep better at night
- Lift your mood
- Lower your cholesterol
- Reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s
- Strengthen your heart
You can also make cardiovascular exercise a social activity that you can do with friends and family. Once you get used to moving more, you might think about walking to work to beat the stress of traffic.
How Much Do I Need?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most adults should aim for 150 - 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise like brisk walking, light jogging, tennis swimming, or dancing a week. Or, if you can dial up the intensity on your exercise (running, aerobics, Zumba, lap swimming, rowing), you can cut that number to 75 - 150 minutes a week.
Whoa! Isn’t That a Lot?
If you’ve never exercised before, it may sound like a challenge. But if you break it down into daily chunks, you can do it! If you’re a beginner, aim for 20 minutes a day. You don’t have to do it all at once – you can start by doing five or 10 minutes of cardio several times a day. The CDC also recommends spreading it out over at least three days of the week to get maximum benefits.
Do I Need to Go to the Gym?
The gym does have all kinds of fancy exercise machines, but you don’t need a gym membership to get fit. Consider this list of activities:
Moderate-Intensity
- Dancing
- Easy swimming
- Riding a bike
- Walking briskly (2.5 miles per hour or faster)
- Light hike
- Yardwork
Vigorous Activities
- Exercise classes such as step aerobics or kickboxing
- Jogging or running
- Jumping rope
- Riding a bike faster than 10 miles per hour
- Swimming laps
- Long-distance hiking
- Vigorous dancing
How Hard Should I Work?
You should work hard enough that your heart rate and breathing increases, but not so hard that you’re completely out of breath. You should have enough breath that you can have a conversation while exercising.
What If I’ve Never Worked Out?
If you’ve never been active before, some of these exercises may seem challenging. If you take on too much too fast, you may get discouraged and quit. Take it slow and steady. If you’re aiming for 20 minutes a day, it’s OK to do 10 minutes in the morning and then 10 minutes in the evening until you’ve built up your endurance. Then pick up the pace!
If you have a certain goal in mind – for example, a breast cancer awareness walk – give yourself time and work up to it gradually.
Once I Start Working Out, Should I Change My Diet?
You don’t have to – but it’s always a good idea to include more fresh produce and lean meats into your diet. Unless you are engaged in very strenuous exercise for hours at a time, skip the protein shakes, nutrition bars, and sports drinks. You should also drink more water, especially before and during your exercise.
If you’ve never exercised before, have a serious health condition such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or high blood pressure, or you’ve recently had cancer treatment, check with your doctor before starting a cardio regimen. Call us at (888) 499-9303 to make an appointment.
Cardio. It’s a word that gets used a lot. But what does it really mean? What’s the best kind? And how much is the right amount?
If you don’t know much about exercise or are totally new to it, we want to help you get started by answering some common questions about what cardio does, why you should do it, and how to get the most from it.
What Does Cardio Really Mean?
Cardio is short for cardiovascular – relating to the heart and blood vessels. We call it cardiovascular exercise because it elevates your heart rate and gets your blood flowing for a long period of time. When we talk about cardio, we’re talking about activities like running, walking, jogging, swimming, or dancing.
What’s Good About It?
Cardiovascular exercise is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy! Regular cardiovascular exercise can:
- Boost your self-esteem
- Fight stress
- Help you burn fat and maintain a healthy weight
- Help you sleep better at night
- Lift your mood
- Lower your cholesterol
- Reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s
- Strengthen your heart
You can also make cardiovascular exercise a social activity that you can do with friends and family. Once you get used to moving more, you might think about walking to work to beat the stress of traffic.
How Much Do I Need?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most adults should aim for 150 - 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise like brisk walking, light jogging, tennis swimming, or dancing a week. Or, if you can dial up the intensity on your exercise (running, aerobics, Zumba, lap swimming, rowing), you can cut that number to 75 - 150 minutes a week.
Whoa! Isn’t That a Lot?
If you’ve never exercised before, it may sound like a challenge. But if you break it down into daily chunks, you can do it! If you’re a beginner, aim for 20 minutes a day. You don’t have to do it all at once – you can start by doing five or 10 minutes of cardio several times a day. The CDC also recommends spreading it out over at least three days of the week to get maximum benefits.
Do I Need to Go to the Gym?
The gym does have all kinds of fancy exercise machines, but you don’t need a gym membership to get fit. Consider this list of activities:
Moderate-Intensity
- Dancing
- Easy swimming
- Riding a bike
- Walking briskly (2.5 miles per hour or faster)
- Light hike
- Yardwork
Vigorous Activities
- Exercise classes such as step aerobics or kickboxing
- Jogging or running
- Jumping rope
- Riding a bike faster than 10 miles per hour
- Swimming laps
- Long-distance hiking
- Vigorous dancing
How Hard Should I Work?
You should work hard enough that your heart rate and breathing increases, but not so hard that you’re completely out of breath. You should have enough breath that you can have a conversation while exercising.
What If I’ve Never Worked Out?
If you’ve never been active before, some of these exercises may seem challenging. If you take on too much too fast, you may get discouraged and quit. Take it slow and steady. If you’re aiming for 20 minutes a day, it’s OK to do 10 minutes in the morning and then 10 minutes in the evening until you’ve built up your endurance. Then pick up the pace!
If you have a certain goal in mind – for example, a breast cancer awareness walk – give yourself time and work up to it gradually.
Once I Start Working Out, Should I Change My Diet?
You don’t have to – but it’s always a good idea to include more fresh produce and lean meats into your diet. Unless you are engaged in very strenuous exercise for hours at a time, skip the protein shakes, nutrition bars, and sports drinks. You should also drink more water, especially before and during your exercise.
If you’ve never exercised before, have a serious health condition such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or high blood pressure, or you’ve recently had cancer treatment, check with your doctor before starting a cardio regimen. Call us at (888) 499-9303 to make an appointment.