There is plenty of information about the health benefits of being active. Recommendations to get 40 minutes or more of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise 4 or more days each week have been around for a while. But many things can seem to get in the way – busy schedules, low energy, discomfort with exercise. Even so, those who break through the difficulties will tell you that it’s worth the effort, because issues of feeling tired and having discomfort often get better with exercise, if you can just find the time to start.
Being active helps in many ways. Increasing levels of activity conditions the heart and blood vessels, cause the release of anti-inflammatory and other beneficial biochemicals in the body, tone muscles and ligaments, and improve sleep. Regular activity can help with weight control, and even if it doesn’t result in marked weight loss, it always leads to improved strength, endurance, and body composition. And rates of low back pain, osteoporosis, heart disease and stroke, arthritis, depression and anxiety, and even certain cancers are lower in those who are more active. Even a single session of intense exercise has been shown to result in the body producing more cancer-preventing peptides. In many ways and for many reasons, those who are active are healthier and happier than those who aren’t active.
For many, challenges include figuring out what to do or simply getting started. UC offers several resources for Berkeley Lab employees to assist with this:
- WorkFit: The WorkFit program offers free in-person and Zoom exercise (live and on-demand) classes daily.
- RecWell: Recreation & Wellbeing provides access to UC facilities for exercise and sports, as well as fee-based personal training, fitness classes, and other options.
- Active at Work: Active at Work provides various programs and resources to help employees fit physical activity, healthy cooking, and other wellness practices into their workday.
- WorkStrong: The WorkStrong program provides specialized health and wellness programs for those with work-related injuries.
