Physical

Staying Active

Every move counts. Whether you’re walking, dancing, biking, or stretching, moving your body can help boost your mood, sharpen your focus, lower your stress, improve your sleep, and reduce your risk for certain diseases.

How NBA players stay active off the court

From boxing to chasing kids around, players share their tips.

2:45
Jarace Walker of Indiana Pacers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asqz_UMLx_c

Step One

Just Start!

Your first step doesn’t have to be a big one. Even a few minutes of movement can help you create momentum. Start with what feels doable, then build from there.

Here are some possible starting points:

Step it up: Find ways to add more steps to your day. Take a walk. Park further away. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Stretch it out: Set an alarm to stand up and stretch throughout your day.
Join in: Sign up for a team, a gym, a local 5K, a class at your local rec center. Lean into your favorite sport, or a new fitness goal.
Just move: Sneak in simple exercises to your day. Do a few bodyweight exercises — squats, lunges, pushups — during TV commercials.

Step Two

Stick With It

The first step is to start. The second is to establish your routine. Build a workout schedule that allows movement to become part of your life, not just something you do when motivation hits.

Try these tips:

Pace yourself: Ease into your exercise, building up to your goals.
Pick activities you enjoy.
Prioritize it. Be intentional about carving out time for you.
Track your progress.
Celebrate small wins.
Ask a friend to join you.
Don’t let one missed day turn into a missed week.

Remember: Consistency beats perfection. Just keep showing up.

Find the Joy in...

Working Out With a Friend!

Whether you’re getting your steps in, trying a new class, or playing pickup, working out can be more fun with a friend. Find someone with similar goals or a shared interest, then make a plan to move together. A workout buddy can help keep you accountable for showing up — and make the whole routine feel less like something you have to do, and more like something you want to do.

Stay Active

Learn easy ways to fit physical activity into your day.

Use this interactive tool to customize your own weekly activity plan.

Move Your Way

How to

Set Yourself Up for Success

Getting active is a great step for your total health. But make sure you’re giving your body the support it needs for the increased activity.

Find the Joy in...

Donovan Mitchell wearing headphones before a game

Setting Your Soundtrack!

The right song can change your whole mood — and your workout. Before you step out there, take a moment to build your perfect playlist. Dig deep into your archive of old favorites, and sprinkle in the new ones you can listen to on repeat. Pick songs that make you feel energized, focused, or just plain good.

Keep Going

Ready to keep going? Check out another topic to see how you can elevate your health.