The OSSE Youth Advisory Committee of DC (YAC)

Say the word "exercise" and what comes to mind? Lifting Weights, Running, Squats, Push Ups; tedious things that involve a whole lot of sweat and pain. So often, just the mention of physical activity is so upsetting, many people don't even try, and continue to struggle with their weight and experience health problems. Many of the health issues our city faces, including diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure can be relieved through exercise, but so many people are hesitant to engage in such uncomfortable activity. The solution? Find exercise in things you love. Love DC? Take a walk around your city with your friends instead of texting them. Just one mile of walking burns about 90 calories, and you're likely to walk farther when you have someone to talk to, which distracts you from the distance. Love to Dance? 1 hour of vigorous dancing, like hip-hop, burns about 500 calories, more if you are in a hot room, like most dances and parties are. Even if there is no party to go to, turn the music on and get yourself moving! Doing everyday activities like vacuuming, cooking, or cleaning a room already burn calories alone, but add music and you probably double the amount of exercise you accomplish. And Nicki Minaj music makes cleaning so much better. Activities like ice skating, swimming, and other sports are other ways to enjoy exercise. The important thing is to get moving. Anytime you move your body, your muscles are strengthened, calories are burned, and you feel better! Your body is your most important resource, and it is extremely important that you treat it well. Exercise is an essential element in a healthy lifestyle, and you can find activities that are so enjoyable you don't even know they count as exercise.

So Move!

-          YAC Member age 17