What are Muscle-strengthening Activities? - May 10, 2009

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What are Muscle-strengthening Activities?

Your fitness routine should include aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, and may also include stretching activities. Aim to do muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week. In each, you should do 8 to 10 different activities using the different muscle groups throughout your body, such as the muscles in your abdomen, chest, arms, and legs.

You can do muscle-strengthening activities by:

Working out with weight machines or lifting free weights (soup cans or sand-filled soda bottles also work well).
Using a resistance band (it looks like a giant rubber band).
Using your own body weight (push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups).

Learn more:

		Does the type of physical activity I do matter?
		Muscle-strengthening activities.

The 2009 Woman Challenge!

Starting today, thousands of women across the country will embark on an eight-week physical activity challenge for better health, called the Woman Challenge. Each week that you meet or exceed your personal physical activity goals, you will receive a virtual Woman Challenge Trophy. Earn 8 trophies in 8 weeks and receive a certificate of completion! Also, you'll receive weekly newsletters with tips on staying motivated and weekly quizzes to test your knowledge.

So far 3,626 women have taken the pledge. Are you one of them?

		Take the Woman Challenge Pledge!
		Find out more about the Woman Challenge.

What's New on the Woman Activity Tracker?

New web banners and buttons are available to add to your web site or blog. Let the world know that you've taken on the Woman Challenge by adding one today!

Sample web button:

The Woman Challenge - May 10-July 4, 2009 - womenshealth.gov - Join

Grab the code for Woman Challenge web banners and buttons.

New Bonus Quiz!

Are you a Quiz Mastermind? Find out by taking this week's quiz, "What are Muscle-strengthening Activities?" Get all five questions correct and earn 20 extra minutes of moderate-intensity activity toward your weekly goal!

Take this week's Bonus Quiz!

Voice Your Vote!

Do you exercise most often in a gym or at home?

At a gym.
At home.
In some other place.

Vote!

Speak Up!

Do you work out on vacation?

60 women have answered this question so far!

Add your comment!


	For additional health information, visit:

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