Last updated on July 28th, 2022 at 01:57 pm

Engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. As little as 30 minutes a day of moderate activity can help lower your risk for heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and even some types of cancer.

Another benefit worth cheering is that by keeping active daily you can maintain a more healthy weight while building strong muscles and bones, especially important as you age. Not only will you look better, you will feel better too. The list of benefits goes on and on.

So now, how can you step up your activity level? Be sure to participate in National Fitness Day, a single day to celebrate strength and empowerment through fitness that is being observed on Saturday, May 5 this year. You can also check out these Everyday Physical Activity Tips as recommended by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

However, before you pick up your sneakers be sure to keep this in mind. You need to prime your muscles and increase your flexibility by stretching before and after an exercise or a physical activity. Stretching muscles when they are not properly warmed up increases your risk of injury like a pulling or tearing a muscle. You can warm up your muscles by walking and gently swinging your arms, engaging in a low-intensity exercise for five minutes or practicing a low-impact yoga pose. Be sure to hold your stretches for at least 30 seconds. Need some more ideas? Check out some of these stretches and the right way to do them here.

If you manage to overdo it despite the proper warm up, then be sure to recover with your favorite Arnicare topical. Arnicare can help provide relief of muscle pain and stiffness due to minor injuries, overexertion, and falls.* Made from Arnica montana, a type of mountain daisy, Arnicare also reduces pain, swelling, and discoloration from bruises.* Learn more at arnicare.com.

*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.