It’s Time to Get Fit

A Message from Dr. Stephen Kindred – Assistant Vice President, Corporate Medical

It’s a new year - a time for healthy resolutions and goal setting. Whether your goal is to lose weight or manage your stress better, increasing your physical activity can help.

According to the American Heart Association, the benefits of getting fit are many. Physical activity improves heart function and lipid profile by lowering total cholesterol, while raising HDL (good cholesterol). It lowers blood pressure and resting heart rate. Being active reduces the risk of diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity, and it improves strength, balance and endurance. It can also reduce depression and anxiety.

Natalie, Public Affairs Assistant at Corporate, understands the impact that mood has on her health. “If I’m unhappy, I’m heavy. If I’m happy, I’m lighter,” says Natalie. After years of trying different diets with no success, she turned to physical activity to help her address her emotions and start losing weight.

“In August 2012, my very fit twin sister registered us for a 5K race,” says Natalie. Their training started with walking or jogging three miles, three times a week. “At first I couldn’t jog 1/8 of a mile without getting winded. Now, I’ve finished three 5K races, completed four weeks of a fitness boot camp in November, joined a second session and can climb three series of 29 flights of stairs!”

Since Natalie’s introduction to fitness, she has lost 39 pounds and 4.11% of her body fat. “I’m not where I want to be, but I’m closer than yesterday. It never gets easier,” she admits. “I just get better – both physically and mentally. In turn, I am a positive role model for my daughter and a supportive cheerleader for others who are just beginning their wellness journey.”

Natalie looks forward to an even healthier 2013 by keeping fitness and smaller food portions in her focus. What are your plans for a healthy new year? Not sure? Need help getting started? Check out the additional resources below for some benefits and tips on fitting fitness into your routine.

Empowering you to get fit.

Additional Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides resources for Making Physical Activity a Part of an Older Adult’s Life.

Check out these common Myths About Exercise and Older Adults available from WebMD.

Learn more about the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition focus on physical activity.