Take Charge of Your Health Today…Physical Activity

CARLOS T. CARTER

This month’s feature highlights Dr. Bonny Rockette-Wagner’s work on physical activity and its ability to mitigate a myriad of health problems. Dr. Rockette-Wagner also notes that incorporating physical activity into one’s daily routine does not have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Recently we connected with Carlos T. Carter, the President & CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh (ULGP) to gain perspective on the importance of physical activity for the Black community. 

How have you benefitted from physical activity as you move through different stages of your life?

I’ve used physical activity to maintain good physical health as well as manage my mental health. From a young age until now, I’ve always tried to do some type of physical activity to stay in shape. I try and keep my body mobile by walking at least three times a week. I also do some light weightlifting and incorporate pushups into my routine. While I can’t do the same things that I did in my twenties and thirties, I can continue to adjust based on what I can do at this stage of my life. 

Staying healthy through physical activity and making healthy food choices makes me more confident as a person. I especially enjoy going on walks through my neighborhood as I get to connect with neighbors. Walking also helps to clear my head. 

What suggestions do you have for our community on ways to add physical activity into already busy lives?

Keep it simple. It’s nice to join a gym if you have the time and financial means available to do so. However, there are simple things that you can do to get moving. March in place, walk around your neighborhood, try to move as you talk on the phone, fill a jug with water and use it as a weight. Be creative with the time, space, and resources that you have.

How might we come together in our neighborhoods to encourage more physical activity in our lives? 

One thing we can do is to encourage friends and neighbors to walk together. Leverage social media or simply call or text some folks to get together. Encourage people to take a class with you or start your own.  If there are barriers to getting outside, try staying mobile inside your home.

I encourage our readers to make physical activity a priority to ensure a healthy mind and body. One thing that I really enjoy is dancing. Put on your favorite music and just move and groove! You’ll break a sweat while increasing your joy!

 

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