As people find themselves more frequently at home, physical activity is more important than ever for maintaining physical and mental health. Norris Recreation Center, a facility of the St. Charles Park District, will join the American Heart Association in getting Healthy for GoodTM beginning in February with an initiative to MOVE MORE in 2021. This movement encourages creating lasting change through small, simple steps.
Since it’s impossible to get healthy for good in one day, Norris Recreation Center (NRC) is launching a weekly MOVE MORE challenge to help you make small changes in your life to see big changes in your health. Using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as communication tools, Norris staff will share tips, tricks and techniques for being physically active and then you, too, can share the information via social media with your family and friends. You may even wish to challenge others on these weekly activities.
“Being more active even for just 10 minutes, three times a day, can significantly improve your health and wellbeing,” said Assistant Superintendent of Recreation Ande Masoncup.
Science shows that being more active can help you feel, think and sleep better. The American
Heart Association (AHA) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for adults and 60 minutes per day for children. Those who do not meet these recommendations may be at greater risk for heart disease, stroke and other health problems.
“Partnering with AHA is a great way to help people live longer, healthier lives,” she added.
Now, more than ever, we need to focus on mental and physical health. Exercise has numerous benefits, such as preventing chronic diseases, improving sleep, relieving stress and controlling weight. Incorporating daily activity breaks boosts your brain power with a better attention span and sharper problem-solving skills.
Activities will be ongoing for current and new members. The weekend before Valentine’s Day, be true to your heart. Current members who wear red to work out on Feb. 12-14 will receive a special gift and be entered into a drawing to win a free personal training session. New members who sign up on these same dates as a couple will be eligible to receive their annual membership at the individual membership rate. If they wear red too, they’ll receive the special gift.
On Sunday, Feb. 14, anyone can tune in virtually via Facebook for a 30-minute fun walk at 10 a.m. to kickstart the MOVE MORE campaign from the comfort of your own home. Each week for the rest of the year, track your own total minutes per day and week of any moderate to vigorous activity, such as walking, biking or even dancing. Aim to get you making one or two small changes a day in your routine to increase your activity level to the recommended 150 minutes per week. NRC will continue to offer incentives to keep you motivated!
MOVE MORE Mondays on March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 will offer ages 12+ free all-day use of Norris’ fitness center, group fitness classes and minigym. Coming in this Spring, there will be more new member specials as well as programs both virtually and in-person to encourage regular physical activity. Once the ground softens, Norris Recreation Center will display circuit training workout signs at Fox Chase Park and Harvest Hills Park for people of all ages to add a little variety to their walking routines.
“We picked these parks since they already have established half-mile walking loops and are accessible on each side of town,” said Masoncup.
So what are you waiting for? The time is now to commit to MOVE MORE while practicing safe physical distancing. Staying active in safe, healthy ways has never been more important. Join Norris Recreation Center for this fun celebration that can help us all live longer, stronger, healthier lives.
For more information, visit norrisrec.org/move-more. All activities are subject to COVID-19 restrictions.