Red Deerians encouraged to get active

“It also really enhances our brain,” says Fredeen. “It helps with focus, concentration, memory. There’s so many things that get improved in one single bout of physical activity. Then when we stick with physical activity for four to eight weeks, that’s where we see those physical health changes.”

Fredeen says those could be things such as stronger muscles, better cardiovascular endurance and better balance, among other benefits.

“Then long-term, that’s our ultimate goal, is that people are active for life,” she exclaims. “It decreases chronic disease, and improves independent living.

Fredeen says more is being learned all the time about the many benefits of healthy, active living.

“A lot of people might start an exercise routine and give up because they may not see the changes right away or they get bored,” says Fredeen. “But if you actually change your thinking, like maybe I should go for a walk on my lunch break because it’s going to help me focus better in the afternoon, it’s going to help me feel better and decrease my stress. Then no matter what, you’re going to stick with it and then your body will match, it will get healthy.”

Fredeen says Red Deer’s Move your Mood challenge has been taking place for three years now.

“You can use the Participaction app year-round, but this particular challenge is for June every year and it runs from June 1-30,” she explains. “It’s a national initiative where Participaction is basically encouraging all citizens to get active to improve their mental and physical wellness.”

If you would like to track your activity levels during the month of June, Fredeen says you do have to register for that.

“13 and up can download the app and you can track your physical activity through there,” she points out. “You can track anything, you’ll see on there. It’s super easy. If you’re gardening, if you’re house cleaning, mowing the lawn, walking your dog, it could be a sport that you’re playing, or your exercise routine.”

Fredeen says there are great prizes to win if you register.

“I’ve known many local people to win,” she exclaims. “Then of course, the city of Red Deer, if we are the most active, we could be named the most active community and win $100,000 to go back into recreation and into our city.”

At last check, Fredeen says Red Deer was third in the province and ninth in Canada. She says Mayor Ken Johnston can be followed on social media, for example, as he is doing many mini challenges for Red Deerians to also consider.

“We’re really trying to reach all city of Red Deer citizens to download the app,” says Fredeen. “You can also track any type of group activity on the website. So let’s say your kids are in soccer or dance or anything, you can also record your family activities on the website. It’s super easy.”

by Sheldon Spackman

Red Deerians encouraged to get active

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