Our topic for July is movement. Movement is critical to a healthy lifestyle!

It is recommended that you get 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity each week.

We want to keep our heart and joints healthy! Regular exercise can improve your health overall, and if you have a flare-up or chronic pain, it can help you manage these as well.

You will want to build an exercise routine of movements that you enjoy and will do regularly for best results. Make sure to include all three types of exercise: aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility.

Here are just a few examples of each type of exercise. There are so many more

• Aerobic: walk, dance, swimming, water aerobics
• Strengthening: lift light weights, push-ups, squats, planks
• Flexibility: yoga, pilates, stretching

So, 150 minutes per week. That can be 30 minutes per day for 5 days each week or however you can fit it in. As women with busy lives, we know it is not always easy to get in 30 minutes. If you need to, break it up into smaller, easier-to-manage chunks.

How to get in your 30 minutes per day?

Take the stairs, park far away when you shop, walk with a friend, do a yoga or pilates class, find a trainer to help you build up strength, go dancing or swimming. The options are endless and can be a great way to socialize as well. Talk to your doctor, personal trainer, yoga instructor, etc. about best ways to get a good routine for you and your joints. And, always, listen to your body, start slowly to avoid any injuries.

Stay tuned for more in-depth posts on movement throughout the month!