Understanding the importance of physical activity

Want to feel your best? Physical activity can help. Women of all ages should add physical activity to their daily routine to improve and maintain good health. Most women, including pregnant women, can exercise safely. Anyone who has concerns should talk with our Grapevine and Alliance obgyns before beginning an exercise regimen.

Physical activity provides many health benefits

For many years, women have been told that they need physical activity, but they may not know why it’s important. Exercise benefits women in several ways.

• Muscle strength
• Flexibility
• Weight control
• Increased energy
• Stronger bones
• Stress relief
• Better sleep quality

Exercise also reduces the risk of several diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

Three types of physical activity women should add to their weekly schedule

Our Grapevine and Alliance obgyns suggest that women try to get three different types of physical activity each week, including aerobic exercise, strengthening and stretching.

1. Aerobic exercise involves large body muscles in the arms, hips and legs. It raises a woman’s heart rate. Most women should try to get 150 minutes of moderate-level activity per week. Good activities include walking, jogging, swimming, dancing or biking. Exercise doesn’t have to occur in long increments. It’s fine to exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week or to exercise for ten or fifteen minutes at a time that adds up to 150 minutes per week.
2. Strengthening is another important type of physical activity women need at least two days a week. Strengthening activities help build stronger muscles and reduce the risk of bone loss. Our physicians suggest resistance training with weights or resistance bands, or push-ups and other exercises that provide strengthening benefits.
3. Stretching after exercise or performing simple stretches during the day not only helps boost circulation, but also helps achieve optimal range of motion.

Women who have chronic health problems, who are pregnant or who have a physical issue that prevents exercise should consult our physicians before beginning an exercise regimen.

Our physicians urge women to pursue physical activity to achieve better health and fitness. For more advice, women should contact our Grapevine and Alliance obgyns. We’re conveniently located in Grapevine to serve women in Southlake, Grapevine, Alliance and the surrounding area.

Women's Integrated Healthcare