As September brings cooler weather, it is time to kickstart your physical activity. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone engage in 25 minutes of moderate exercise a day. This daily dose of physical activity can ward off diseases that target weakened immune systems.

You may ask, why should I? Here are some facts to get you moving:

Studies show people who walk two minutes out of every hour can increase their life expectancy by 33 percent

• Improved cardiorespiratory fitness
• Increased balance and endurance
• Reduced risk for type II diabetes and dementia
• Improved functionality of metabolism
• Increased production of antioxidants that battle off inflammation and infections
• Improved energy and mood

The infamous "10,000 steps" has traveled through every household within the last couple years. Although 10,000 steps (equivalent to 5 miles) is a great goal, the Mayo clinic recommends to aim for 1,000 additional steps a day and work to increase your capacity.

For sedentary lifestyles, slowly incorporating physical activity is a good approach to improve your physical activity. It is also recommended to gradually build your strength and endurance after long periods of inactivity to avoid injuries.

Ideas to get moving

• Take the family for an evening stroll around the block, you may even catch the sun setting!
• Park your car a little farther from your destination in the parking lot; those extra steps can quickly add up!
• Don't work on the first floor of a building? Commit to taking the stairs for a week!
• Take an extra tour around the perimeter aisles of a grocery store before checking out.
• Turn your bathroom break into a quick walk in the hall.

Begin today and reap the health benefits of increasing your steps. With simple adjustments in your daily life, hitting your goal will happen in no time.