pdf image of cdc physical activity resource

Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving.

The Center for Disease Control says that adults should move or exercise 150 minutes a week. 

Click the blue button below to find the right kind of exercise that fits your age and your ability.

Find your physical activity recommendations

START...

If you are just starting, start slow and build up. You can try 5 minutes a day and build to 20 minutes a day. Try slow, easy walking and build up to faster dancing!

Special Olympics recommends a mix of Endurance, Strength, Flexibility and Balance activities.

Tap to flip the cards.

group taking a yoga class

Balance

Balance means being able to stay steady in a position. It helps you know how to move your body safely and not fall. 

Practice walking in a straight line. Standing on one leg. Stand up from a chair without using your hands. Learn to do yoga or dance!

Try to do balance work 2 to 3 times a week.

group of people hiking in the woods

Endurance

Endurance work makes your heartbeat faster and makes you breathe harder. It can also be called aerobic exercise or cardio activities.

Try things like getting a brisk walk, riding your bike, pushing a lawnmower or swimming or playing in a pool. It should make you work hard enough so it is hard to sing, but you can still talk while doing it. Aim for 20 minutes a day!

woman sitting on the floor reaching for her toes

Flexibility

Flexibility uses stretching to move your muscles and joint in all directions. Stretch as far as you can without pain. Do this to help keep injuring when you exercise.

Stretching before and after your workout to warm up and cool down.

Even if you do not workout do some stretching 3 times a week.

two dumbells

Strength

Strength work builds muscles when you push, pull, lift and carry.

Use all your muscle groups (chest, belly, back, legs and arms) by lifting weights, body weight exercises, digging in the garden.

Try to do this twice a week.

Video Resources

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Video demonstration of Dynamic Stretches from Special Olympics

Click here for video

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School of Strength videos from Special Olympics

Click here for video

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Exercise video resources from Kansas University Institute for Health and Disability.

Click here for video

Toolkits:

Fit 5 from Special Olympics

A plan for physical activity, nutrition and hydration to improve your health and fitness.

Dynamic Stretches for Warm up from Special Olympics

Learn the 13 dynamic stretches to help you warm up.

Fit 5 from Special Olympics (SPANISH)

The plan for physical activity, nutrition and hydration to improve your health and fitness in Spanish.