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OLDER ADULTS SELF DEFINED 150 minutes of physical activity based on tness level. Aerobic: Should target di erent areas of the body. 150-300 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week. Aerobic: Should make up most of the 150- 300 minutes each week. Muscle strengthening: Should exercise all major muscle groups twice a week. Recommended exercise The U.S Department of Health and Human Services in 2018 passed updated physical ADOLESCENTS AGES 6 17 ADULTS AGE 18+ activity guidelines for di erent age groups, which promote healthier, less sedentary lifestyles that can save individuals from health problems in the future. Young people require more activity.
60 minutes of activity daily, include aerobic and strengthening exercises. Aerobic: Should be most of the hour. Walk, jog or swim. Muscle strengthening: Should be three times a week. Do squats, plank or pull-ups. Bone strengthening: Also done three times a week. Try jumping rope or pilates.
the event,” Gowen said. “Usually, when we survey people afterwards they say the event motivated them to be more active.” On April 2, the city of Schertz hosted Movin’ on Main, another citywide event similar to Síclovía that invites residents to Main Street to take part in tness activities, classes and more. 2023 marked the sixth year for the event, which brought in more than 2,500 attendees, said Cassandra Paddock, recreation manager for the city of Schertz Parks and Recreation Department. Promoting tness To help with lifestyle changes, people are encour- aged to nd groups, friends or family members that can assist in staying active. “Being around people is really good for our health,” Nyren said. “When you have a community to sup- port you and help you stay on track, you will be more active.”
The YMCA of Greater San Antonio hosted Síclovía, a free biannual health, tness and wellness fair that brought out more than 18,000 people on a rainy May 7. In partnership with the city of San Antonio and the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, city streets are blocked o so participants can safely walk, bike, run or take advantage of other exercise classes, food trucks and other youth activities. This is the 21st year the YMCA has put the event on. According to the YMCA website, 59.7% of surveyed attendees reported their reason for attending Síclovía was for physical activity, and 47% shared they would be sedentary and indoors if not at Síclovía. Shannon Gowen, senior director of mission advancement and communications for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, said the purpose of the event and other YMCA programs is to encourage fun activi- ties that promote healthy lifestyles. “We try to provide more opportunities for people to exercise, get out, get active and meet people through
SOURCE: U.S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMUNITY IMPACT
Being physically active helps improve body func- tions, decreases the risks of diseases and helps peo- ple avoid any nancial burden caused by inactivity, according to the CDC website. Natalie Nyren, physician assistant in cardiology with University Health, said a sedentary lifestyle can lead to health concerns. “When you are not moving, it really a ects the way that your organs are functioning,” she said. “If you
don’t use it, you lose it.” Community involvement
Cities and organizations host local events that encourage the community to get involved and be active outside. In Schertz and Cibolo, older adults can take advan- tage of the senior centers, which the cities invest in City involvement Local cities have invested in a variety of initiatives to encourage residents and sta to adopt more active lifestyles. SOURCES: CITIES OF SCHERTZ, CIBOLO, UNIVERSAL CITY, LIVE OAK, SELMA COMMUNITY IMPACT SCHERTZ $269,500 invested in senior programs in 2023 7+ activities at Movin’ on Main $5 million+ in trail projects CIBOLO $48,00 invested in senior center 2 miles of trail projects New programs for employees LIVE OAK $1.1 million invested in trails 1 new trail opened in May 2 playscape improvements at Main City Park SELMA $3.3 million in trail projects along Cibolo Creek Programs giving employees exible work schedules UNIVERSAL CITY New improvements that add amenities to city parks Programs encouraging employees to get healthier
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