Small ways to up physical activity

07/12/2021

Most of us want to be more active, but we don’t always feel like we have the time. The good news is that it’s easy to up your physical activity.

Small choices you make throughout your day can help you be more active. You can go for a walk around your block each day, or do a couple stretches at your desk or in front of the TV. If you’re at work and need to go up or down a few floors, take the stairs instead of an elevator. And when you’re going grocery shopping, park your car further away from the supermarket.

Any energy we use for anything other than sleeping, eating or sports-like exercise adds to our body’s non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). Research shows that NEAT activities can help you burn calories, reduce your risk for disease and improve your mental health and mood.

Exercise at the gym or in your living room

While NEAT activities are important, regular exercise has even bigger payoffs for your health. It can help you control your weight and build your confidence, while also helping reduce your risk for heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we should get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity, such as a brisk walk, each week. We should also add activities that strengthen muscles at least two days a week.

Fortunately, your HealthSelectSM plan benefits offer access to a Fitness Program that make getting in your 150 minutes affordable and convenient. In July, you can save money when you join the Fitness Program by using promo code SUMMERFIT to waive the $19 enrollment fee.

In addition to more than 12,400 fitness facilities, all Fitness Program members now have access to a variety of digital fitness classes. You also have the option to enroll in the digital-only option for just $10 per month.

Digital fitness benefits include access to thousands of online fitness videos and live classes - all included within your Fitness Program membership. You can access the digital classes through your Well OnTarget® Fitness Program portal, or directly through the BurnAlong website after you create your account.

Enroll in the Fitness Program with no enrollment fee through July 31:

  1.  Log in to your Blue Access for MembersSM.
  2. Click “Fitness Program” under Quick Links on the left. You will be redirected to Well onTarget. If you already have a Well onTarget account, you’ll be automatically signed on. If you do not have an account yet, follow the prompts to create one.
  3. Click “Enroll Now” in the top right.
  4. Follow the prompts and use the code SUMMERFIT to waive the enrollment fee and join. The code is good through July 31, 2021.

Or you can join by calling the Fitness Program toll-free at (888) 762-BLUE (2583), Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. CT.

Your health matters. Take care of yourself by getting activity in where you can. Also, try your best to fit some heart-pumping exercise into your schedule a few times each week. Your body will thank you!