GET ACTIVE
West Michigan offers plenty of opportunities for exercise and physical activity, from excellent gyms and fitness centers to community sports leagues to the parks, trails, beaches and waterways that connect us to the great outdoors. Explore new resources for recreation, and some free or inexpensive ways to make exercise a healthy habit.
For best results and safety, consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine.
• Take it one step at a time: start slowly, and set realistic goals.
• Take the time to find a way to exercise that works for you. If the first thing you try isn’t something that’s going to work for you, try something else.
• Don’t give up, just get moving.
Regular physical activity may significantly reduce health risks and improve health. Just 30 minutes of moderate activity each day may help you:
• Improve your cholesterol profile
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce stress
• Help achieve and/or maintain a healthy weight
• Control or help prevent diabetes
• Decrease your risk of heart disease
• Improve joint function
• Improve mental alertness
• Strengthen your bones
Directories for Gyms and Health Clubs
http://www.healthclubdirectory.com/health_clubs/State/United_States/MI/Michigan/
http://www.gympost.com/
The Exercise Habit
Find out how much exercise you need, how to get started, and how to stick with it.
http://familydoctor.org/059.xml
Outdoor Activities
http://www.michigan.org/Things-to-Do/Outdoors/Nature-and-Parks/Default.aspx?m=4;7
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Default.aspx?SearchType=trails
http://www.trailscouncil.org/