It’s true, according to the Report of the Surgeon General:

• People who are usually inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming even moderately active on a regular basis.
• Physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits.
• Greater health benefits can be achieved by increasing the amount (duration, frequency, or intensity) of physical activity.

This section contains links to research on how physical activity reduces health risks for many conditions, including falls and injuries; self-assessment tools; and general information on fitness and health.

American Cancer Society's guidelines for diet and activity, plus tips for a healthy lifestyle and community.

Best Practices for physical activity in hot weather.

Breast cancer prevention: Lifestyle choice and more — from the Mayo Clinic.

Family Doctor.org. Question & Answer page with all the information you need to start getting physical active (again).

Getting back on track with exercises – a wonderful guide!

Getting Fitter: Quality Not Quantity, article by Aetna InteliHealth.

Getting started: Stages of Change in Adding Physical Activity Into Your Life – Where Are You?

The Health Gazette: Health and Longevity

A history of physical activity, cardiovascular health and longevity

Mobility - Health - Land Use Program. A model program (in Austria) that increases physical fitness and saves the environment. A program easily adaptable in the U.S.

More evidence from the Centers for Disease Control that physical activity is fundamental to preventing disease.

MyPyramid.gov, from the United States Department of Agriculture, defines physical activity, describes its importance, gives tips for increasing physical activity, and tools whereby individuals can tailor a program to meet their needs and fit their size.

Overcoming barriers to physical activity, from the Centers for Disease Control. Understanding common barriers to physical activity and creating strategies to overcome them may help you make physical activity part of your daily life.

Safe Workouts For Cold Weather Months.

Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health. This report contains valuable information regarding the effects of physical activity on health and disease, patterns and trends in physical activity, recommendations, examples of different levels of physical activity, and more.

WalkBikeMarin is an initiative by the County of Marin to help make Marin more healthy, livable, and environmentally sustainable by encouraging walking and bicycling as everyday transportation.

For Families

10 Tips to get your family active

For Older Adults

AARP physical activity website. Resources and creative ways to get you to be more active.

The American Society of Aging. Comprehensive resource for putting together large programs to get people physically active.

Family Doctor.org provides easy to follow guide on “exercise for the elderly.” Includes diagrams of specific exercises.

The National Institute on Aging. Overview of the benefits of exercise, and comprehensive list of more resources.

You're Never Too Old or Too Frail to Exercise. Practical basics on getting and staying in shape, from Aetna Intelihealth.