When you’re talking about tasty food, hot music, or a good place to raise a family, Indianapolis often ranks high on the list. But when it comes to getting off the couch, we don’t do so well in the ratings.
Men’s Health magazine recently named the most active cities in the United States, and Indianapolis finished at number 99. But more important than the national publicity is what the lack of activity means: more obesity, which can lead to health problems, including cancer.
Marcus Sanders of Indianapolis is the program manager for Brothers United, a non-profit group that advocates good health. “When you think of exercise, think of the whole person, not just the physical activities, but your mind set,” advises Sanders, 32.
“Focus on the positive, make health a main priority,” he added. “I recommend exercise to enhance longevity, physical endurance and to relax and relieve stress.”
The magazine looked at statistics for each city about how often people exercise, watch TV and buy video games. It also looked at the rate of deaths from blood clots linked to a lot of sitting.
According to a 2010 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just 61 percent of African-Americans in Indiana had participated in a physical activity or exercised in the past month. And about 73 percent of African-Americans in Indiana were overweight or obese, according to the CDC.
There’s a lot you can do in Indianapolis to become more active. Here are a few ways:
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Men’s Health says many public stairwells aren’t very attractive – and some are even dangerous. The CDC found that piping in upbeat music as well as “Take the Stairs” signs encouraged more people to walk instead of ride. Ask the city to improve the stairwells if they need it.
• You don’t have to give up your favorite TV shows; you can be active at the same time. Stand in front of the TV and walk in place.
• Walk in your neighborhood, or at the local mall. Even 20 minutes of brisk walking a day will make a difference.
• Don’t always park in the closest parking space. Park a little farther away and hoof it.
Linda Ellis, Indianapolis correspondent for the Ozioma News Service, contributed to this story.
