EXERCISE

Did you know that every time you exercise, you make your body stronger?

Sometimes we exercise without even knowing it. When you walk outside, do chores, swim, ride a bike, stretch your arms, use the stairs, dance, jump, you are exercising.

Young people should at least do 60 minutes of exercise every day for optimal health.

Being physically active is an important part of being healthy. Exercising regularly has lots of great benefits for your mental and physical health as well as your self-esteem.

Why should I exercise? 

• Regular exercise can result in a stronger heart
• Regular exercise can result in a better physical health
• Regular exercise can result in an improved concentration
• Regular exercise can result in an increased energy
• Regular exercise can result in an improved mood
• Regular exercise can result in an increased self-confidence

How do I start an exercise routine?

You don’t have to enroll in gym classes and follow gym schedules to be physically fit.  

Here are a few tips to get started: 

• Keep it short. Start with exercising 15 to 30 minutes and build up to 1 hour every day
• Try switching things up, like running then stretching a bit then walking
• Reduce your periods of inactivity by being on the move. For example, instead of using a matatu all the time, try walking for some time before boarding it. 

How do I stay motivated to exercise?

Motivating yourself to work out or exercise can be very difficult. Especially when your exercise routine is repetitive. 

Here are some activities that might motivate you to exercise every day:

• Aerobics
• Lifting weights
• Jogging
• Dancing
• Yoga
• Team sports
• Swimming
• Walking
• Biking
• Jumping rope