HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — According to the City of Huntsville's Healthy Huntsville informational website, in 1990, the obesity rate here in Alabama sat at 11.2%, doubling 10 years later in 2000 to 22.6%, fast forward to 2023 where it now sits right over at 36.1%, meaning the rate of obesity here has tripled over the past three decades.
Healthy Huntsville wants to lead the change.
One of the most simple ways we can lead this change is by moving our bodies.
Another way to combat obesity and promote healthy lifestyles, AND keep things simple, is to actually step outside!
But the benefits go beyond just physical health - moving your body, even in the most simple of ways, like a walk, can improve your mental health.
"Moving our bodies keeps our body young, our brain young and keeps our brain sharp. So, it affects our whole body," said City of Huntsville's Wellness and Fitness Coordinator, Kevin Ready.
Something to remember is that everyone's fitness goals are different but one thing we all have in common is that basic movement is recommended for all.
"Even if people don't want to lose weight or change their appearance, the key thing is we're all recommended to move our bodies on a regular basis, and these Healthy Huntsville activities help promote that," said Ready.
And if you're finding it difficult to pick yourself up and move, here's one piece of advice, only focus on one step at a time.
"Evidence shows that even 10 minutes of activity will boost your health and your mood. And that's the great thing, is it'll become self-reinforcing, once they start with little steps and they realize, you know, I feel better, I'm in a better mood, I sleep better, you know, and I have more energy to actually engage with others, you know, in my social environment," said Ready.