Session 3 Assessment Background Background Information Information Things Things That That Get Get in in the the Way Way of of Physical Physical Activity Activity to to Get Get on on Track Track Goals Goals
Assessment Walking Next, we will talk about physical activity. Before getting started, please complete the following questions about walking and other activities. In a usual WEEK 1. How many times do you walk for recreation, health, fitness, or transportation such as walking around the block, walking your dog, or walking to work? (Do NOT include walking that you do as part of your job.) 5+ 3-4 1-2 0 (If 0, skip questions 2-5) On a typical DAY when you WALK for recreation, health, fitness, or transportation 2. What is the total time you spend walking? 30 or more 10-19 20-29 Less than 10 3. What is your usual speed? Fairly fast (3-4 miles in an hour) Very fast (more than 4 miles in an hour) Average or normal (2-3 miles in an hour) Casual strolling or walking (less than 2 miles in an hour) On a typical DAY at work 4. What is the total time you spend walking? 30 or more 10-19 20-29 Less than 10 Do not walk at work or not employed (skip next question) 5. What is your usual speed? Fairly fast (3-4 miles in an hour) Very fast (more than 4 miles in an hour) Average or normal (2-3 miles in an hour) Casual strolling or walking (less than 2 miles in an hour) Walking 95
Assessment Other Types Of Physical Activity The next questions are about leisure time physical activity other than walking. When answering these questions, DO NOT include walking. These questions ask about two levels of physical activity: moderate and vigorous. MODERATE physical activities cause a moderate increase in breathing and heart rate. You should be able to carry on a conversation when doing these activities. VIGOROUS physical activities cause a large increase in breathing and heart rate. It is difficult to talk when doing these activities. In a usual WEEK 1. How many times do you do moderate leisure time physical activities like dancing, cycling, social tennis, golf, or gardening? 5+ 3-4 1-2 0 (If 0, skip to question 3) On a typical DAY when you do MODERATE ACTIVITY 2. What is the total time you spend doing this activity? 30 or more 10-19 Less than 10 20-29 In a usual WEEK 3. How many times do you do vigorous leisure time physical activities like jogging, aerobics, swimming laps, or competitive tennis? 5+ 3-4 1-2 0 (If 0, skip to question 5) Other Types of Physical Activity 96
Assessment Other Types Of Physical Activity On a typical DAY when you do VIGOROUS ACTIVITY 4. What is the total time you spend? 20 or more 10-19 Less than 10 5. On a typical WORK DAY do you do MODERATE or VIGOROUS ACTIVITY other than walking? yes no (done with survey) not employed (done with survey) 6. What is the total time you spend doing this type of activity each day? 30 or more 10-19 Less than 10 20-29 Other Types of Physical Activity 97
Background Information During the first session on physical activity, we focused on why it is important to be active and on walking. During the next session, we focused on other types of physical activity, including muscle-strengthening activity. In this session, we will focus on continuing to be active and adding muscle-strengthening activity if you are not doing these. If you are not meeting your goals for walking or for other types of activity, answer the questions and review the tip sheet on Things That Get in the Way of Physical Activities. If you are meeting your goals for walking or for other types of activity, but are not doing musclestrengthening activities, try to add two sessions of muscle strengthening activities each week. Remember, sitting in one place for a long time is bad for your health. If you can, take breaks every 30 just get up and walk around for a couple of. 99
If you are meeting your activity goals and are not doing muscle-strengthening activities, consider adding these activities. (See below.) If you are meeting your activity goals and muscle-strengthening goals, maintain. for muscle-strengthening activities: Û Start with 8-12 repetitions or one set of each activity. Work up to 2 or 3 sets per muscle group, per week. Û Pick exercises that work for you: stretch bands, chair exercises, weights, and working against gravity are all good activities. For information on chair exercises, check out Chair Exercises for Strength and Flexibility. Û Select activities that work the large muscles in arms, legs, and abdomen. 100
Things that Get in the Way of Physical Activity Here are some things that might get in the way of increasing physical activity. How likely is it that the following might get in the way of increasing your physical activity? Please mark one answer for each of the following: Very likely Somewhat likely Neither likely nor unlikely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely 1. Feeling too tired 2. Not enough time to be physically active 3. Bad weather 4. Other people around me are not physically active 5. Feeling bored 6. Feeling too sore and/or uncomfortable 7. Cost of activities 101
Check the goals you want to work on for the next contact. 1. If you are concerned about feeling too tired, consider: There are plenty of ways to be active even if you have a busy schedule. Here are some tips for planning activities you can enjoy even when you are busy. When you are tired out by life s stresses and strains, take a few for a walk or some active stretching to clear your head and refresh yourself. If you spend the day doing tiring work, pick a fun activity. Walking with a friend, dancing, or your favorite active sport or hobby can give you energy. Take a break by using the stairs instead of the elevator. Put more umph into what you already do each day. 2. If you are concerned about having enough time, consider: This is a challenge for a lot of people. Here are some tips to help you put physical activity high on your to-do list. During your daily work or chores, put a little more umph into what you do you won t need to set aside extra time to exercise at the end of the day. Three 10-minute blocks of moderate activity during the day can do you as much good as 30 of activity all at once. Tell your family and friends that being active is important to you ask them to help you make time. And remember that people who depend on you need you to be healthy! Don t forget: people who spend at least 30 a day being active enough to breathe a little harder are less likely to have: heart attacks weight problems cancer high blood pressure diabetes brittle bones (osteoporosis) 102
3. If you are concerned about bad weather, consider: Don t let bad weather slow you down! Here are some tips to help you be active indoors: Try the resistance band exercises in this program. Use your smartphone or YouTube to find exercise programs you can do at home. Search for low-impact exercises. If you have stairs take a few extra trips. If you don t have much room, you can run or march in place or do simple exercises. If you don t want to walk in the rain, go for a walk at the mall. Here are some tips for being physically active even when you are concerned about the weather: After a brisk walk in cold weather, treat yourself to a nice hot cup of coffee or tea. If the weather is cold, dress warmly wear layers and a hat and gloves. If it s hot, swim, take a brisk walk in an air-conditioned building, or walk first thing in the morning or in the evening in a well-lit area. If you are active outside in the heat, drink plenty of water. Grab an umbrella and a friend and go for a walk in the rain. 4. If you are concerned about other people around you who are not physically active: Remember, you can be active with or without the company of others. Some activities are more fun if you have company: Ask a friend to be your walking partner. Start a new activity with family or friends. Other things are just as easy to do on your own: Put just a little more umph into everything you do. Take a break and stretch when you re working around the house. 103
5. If you are concerned about getting bored, consider: There are plenty of ways to avoid boredom when it comes to living an active lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you get out of a rut and try something new: Being active is a way of living. Look for activities you enjoy, like walking with friends, gardening, or dancing. Add music to your activities. Music makes anything more fun! Call your local Parks and Recreation office for new ideas. Choose activities that help you: 104 Learn new things Meet new people Explore new places. 6. If you are concerned about feeling sore or uncomfortable, consider: Your body will adapt to physical activity and you will start to feel stronger and more energetic over time. Here are some tips to help prevent muscle soreness: The first few times you move in a new way you may feel a little sore, but after that you will feel better and better. You re less likely to get sore if you start slowly and warm up. Try swimming or water exercises. If you are overweight, losing a few pounds can help with aches and pains. 7. If you are concerned about how much it costs to be physically active, consider: You don t have to spend lots of money to be active. Here are some tips to help you be active without breaking the bank: Walk in a shopping mall, around your neighborhood, or at the local high school track. You don t need a health club membership. Walk when you can, instead of driving, and save the money you would spend on gas. If you spend any money on physical activity, spend it on a comfortable pair of walking shoes that fit you well. Talk to a foot doctor about finding the right shoes if you have problems with your feet. If you decide you need it, look for used exercise equipment in good shape at thrift shops and yard sales.
Goals and First Steps Goal 1: If you continue to work on walking, pick a goal for steps or per day. If not, pick a goal for other types of physical activity. Physical Activity Goal Walking: Steps per day: or Minutes per day: Other Type of Physical Activity Goal: First Steps: Goal 2 (Optional): Muscle Strengthening Activity First Steps: Place this sheet where you will see it often (refrigerator or bathroom mirror). You may monitor goals by the week (left side of table) or by the day (right side of table). GOAL 1: Did you meet your goal? (Check for Yes, or for No) Week Weekly Goal Daily Goal Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 Goal 2: Did you meet your goal? (Check for Yes, or for No) Week Weekly Goal Daily Goal Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 105