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4,357 people and 406 teams are participating in the WOMAN Activity Tracker! |
Here is what others are saying about the
WOMAN Activity Tracker & the 2008 WOMAN Challenge!
"This is my first year to do the Woman challenge, and I love it!!! My new years resolution this year was to be more active, I have been successful with that, but I find that the pedometer is helping even more. I set my goal for 10,000 steps every day, and I've exceeded it every day this week. I joined a team that was a family team, but they welcomed me & I think it will be great for accountability for me! Keep walking!!!" |
Learn about other
teams
in our
Team Showcase!
Name:
Reach for the Stars
Team Size:
2
Location:
Nebraska
"My mother and I are doing this together. This is her second year of doing this and the first for me. Both of us are very excited about meeting our weekly goals that we set for ourselves. Even though we do not live in the same town, we encourage each other not only to meet our weekly goal, but for our self as well. Good Luck to everyone and to my mother!!"
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Safety Tips
Home > Activity Tracker Home > Tools to Help You Get Started > Safety Tips
Starting a physical activity program
Being physically active can help you stay healthy. But becoming active too quickly can be harmful for some people. You should talk to your doctor before you begin any physical activity program if you:
- Have heart disease, had a stroke, or are at high risk for these diseases
- Have diabetes or are at high risk for diabetes
- Are obese (Body Mass Index of 30 or greater)
- Have an injury or disability
- Are older than age 50 and have not been active for some time
- Are pregnant
- Have a bleeding or detached retina, eye surgery, or laser treatment on your eye
- Have had recent hip surgery
Preventing injury
Being physically active is safe if you take precautions. Take these steps to prevent injury:
- Use safety equipment. For example, wear a helmet for bike riding or supportive shoes for walking or jogging.
- Start every workout with a warm-up. Spend 5 to 10 minutes doing some easy stretches and movement, progressing to a brisk walk. Repeat these steps at the end of your workout until your heart rate returns to normal.
- Drink plenty of fluids when you are physically active, even if you are not thirsty.
- Use sunscreen when you are outside.
- Always bend forward from the hips, not the waist. If you keep your back straight, you're probably bending the right way. If your back "humps," that's probably wrong.
- Stop any activity if you feel very out of breath, dizzy, nauseous, or have pain. If your chest feels tight or painful or you feel faint or have trouble breathing, stop the activity right away and talk to your doctor.
Exercise should not hurt or make you feel really tired. You might feel some soreness, a little discomfort, or a bit weary. But you should not feel pain. In fact, in many ways, being active will probably make you feel better.
Content last updated June 25, 2008.
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