Chesco On The Move

Regular movement is important for everyone’s overall wellbeing. Our bodies were not designed for excessive sitting; we were born to move! According to a recent survey by the Chester County Health Department, of nearly 4,000 residents, 60% of respondents reported physical activity as one of the top three behaviors that improve health and wellness. Despite its importance, only 24% of Pennsylvanians participate in physical activities or exercises other than their regular jobs. Our goal is to enable everyone who lives, works and learns in Chester County incorporates more movement into their daily life. 

Movement does not have to mean sweat-inducing workouts, or exercise that is planned, structured, and repetitive. Rather, movement is any activity that uses your muscles and makes you feel good, relieves stress, and allows for a greater connection with your body and mind. This makes movement accessible to everyone regardless of someone's abilities or fitness level.

Regular movement reduces the risk of chronic diseases and cancer while improving our heart health, bone strength, and balance. It benefits our brain health, improves sleep, and reduces anxiety. We encourage you to find activities and places that you enjoy. If you enjoy what you are doing, it is much easier to keep moving! 

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  1. Physical Benefits
  2. Mental Health Benefits
  3. Social Benefits

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For children and adults, young and old, moving more each day is possible! There are many physical health benefits from moving more. With more consistent movement, you can enjoy both short-term and long-term benefits:  

  • Gives you more energy and strength during the day.
  • Lowers blood sugar.
  • Reduced pain and improved function, particularly for people with arthritis.
  • Weight management, including weight loss and improved eating patterns.
  • Reduced risk for heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and common cancers like cancer of the bladder, breast, colon, kidney, lung and stomach.
  • Strengthening of bones and muscles and improved balance, which reduces risk of falls.
  • Healthier aging and increased longevity.
    • Adults younger than age 60 could reduce their risk for a premature death just by achieving 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day, according to CDC.
    • Older adults could gain the same benefit by completing just 6,000 to 8,000 steps per day.
  • Increased independence and ability to support daily activities among people with disabilities.

There are recommendations for how much physical activity you should try to do based on your age and abilities. To prevent burnout and injury, start off small and work your way up to longer durations of movement each day. Everyone’s choice of movement will look different depending on health and interests. One person may love lifting weights while another prefers a YouTube dance workout. The activity you do is completely up to you. The key is to move consistently. Choose avenues of movement that are sustainable for you and your lifestyle.

Before starting any physical activity program, be sure to talk with your doctor about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you.