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The truth isn’t pretty—we are an out-of-shape nation. According to government statistics, only three in 10 adults, age 18-65, are physically active on a regular basis. For those aged 65-75, only 16% report 30 minutes of moderate activity five or more days a week, and even fewer (12%) of those aged 75 and older report this same amount of activity.

However, there is good news. Whether you choose to walk, bike, dance, golf or take a yoga class—just thirty minutes of moderate activity can make a world of difference.

The Benefits
Something as easy as a brisk walk on most days of the week can improve your health. Regular exercise:
• contributes to healthy bones, muscles and joints
• reduces falls among the elderly
• helps relieve the pain of arthritis
• reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
• improves perceived well-being and happiness
• reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke
• is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits and medications

Get Ready
Whatever your age or activity level, it is never too late to get started. A complete fitness routine should include activities that focus on endurance, strength, flexibility and balance, known as the four fitness building blocks. 

Get Set
AARP has developed several online fitness resources to make it even easier to get moving.

Keep Active–Get Movin’ at 50+
Keep Active—Get Movin’ at 50+ is an online seminar designed to help you:
• get started with a fitness routine
• increase activity safely
• guide you to the best activity for you, and
• help you know if you’re doing too much.

There are specific software and network requirements, click here http://www.aarpfitness.com/articles.aspx?articleID=1022 for the details.

Step Up to Better Health
This web-based program designed to help people fit more walking into their routine by gradually adding more steps each week.

Participants to “Step Up to Better Health” will track their walking online during a 10-week period.  As participants log their daily steps they can watch their progress along four famous American trails—Lewis and Clark, Alaska Highway, Highway 50 or the Appalachian Trail.

Prospective participants can register at Step Up to Better Health. The program does require that participants have a step counter.

Get Fit on Route 66
This virtual journey converts minutes spent on physical activity into mileage, allowing participants to chart their progress along the legendary Route 66. Any moderate physical activity counts, whether walking, swimming, dancing, or gardening. Register at Get Fit on Route 66.

Get Moving!
You'll feel good about yourself for taking these steps. You will start feeling stronger and more flexible. And, if you keep at it, you'll probably start eating better, feeling more energetic, coping better with stress, and generally living a healthier, more independent life.

Visit the AARP Fitness Web page for many more resources, tips and links.

Martina’s Spring Tips
http://www.aarpfitness.com/articles.aspx?articleID=1061

Get Off the Couch
http://www.aarpmagazine.org/health/smart_fitness_get_off_the_couch.html

Other Resources
AARP Fitness Portal
http://www.aarpfitness.com

Step Up to Better Health
http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/walking/what_is_step_up_to_better_health.html

Get Fit on Route 66
http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/walking/what_is_get_fit_on_route_66.html