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Movement as Medicine

According to a 2023 report from the CDC, only 28% of US adults met combined aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines, 150 minutes of moderate exercise and two days of muscle strengthening per week, despite the well-known benefits of physical activity as it relates to the prevention of chronic disease. Increasing your activity doesn't need to be complicated: taking the stairs, parking in the farthest spot in a parking lot, having a dance party with your kids, or scheduling a walk with a friend all count! The best exercise is one that you enjoy and will motivate you to reach your physical activity goals every day.

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group of people on yoga mats performing yoga
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group of people on yoga mats plankingAccording to new research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, strength exercises may play a role in helping you prevent disease and live longer. Compared with people who didn’t do muscle-strengthening activities, researchers found that individuals who did 30 to 60 minutes of resistance, strength, or weight training weekly had a 10% to 20% lower risk of early death from all causes, and getting heart disease, diabetes, or cancer at all. These types of exercises are designed to improve muscular fitness by exercising muscles against external resistance. 

person walking on sand outsideA 2022 study shows that taking 8,600 steps per day can prevent weight gain and adding 2,400 steps can reduce obesity risk. Walking 10,000 steps per day can reduce dementia risk by 50%, and even 3,800 steps can reduce it by 25%. According to another study, a brisk pace of 112 steps per minute for 30 minutes can lead to a 62% reduction in dementia risk. This study followed 78,500 people who wore step counters for seven days. 

Click here for 5 ideas to increase your physical activity.

 

Movement Therapy Classes

In these nonaerobic, movement-based therapies, participants learn controlled breathing which helps reduce stress and anxiety often linked to disease and illness. All classes are offered weekly at no cost to patients and their caregivers. Learn more about Integrative Medicine Classes

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    Yoga Therapy

    These classes help build strength, soothe the mind, improve posture, flexibility, and balance, sharpen concentration and enable relaxation through Yoga. Classes include Yoga for MS and Other Neurological Disorders, Yoga for Cancer, and Gentle Yoga Therapy

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    Tai Chi

    These beginner-level classes incorporate slow, comfortable movements and combine breathing, mindfulness, and gentle stretching. Classes include Tai Chi and Tai Chi for Parkinson’s Disease and Other Neurological Disorders.

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    Educational Opportunities: Certificates & Courses focused on Movement

     

    Lifestyle Medicine Consultations

    patient and provider during lifestyle medicine consultationOur goal is to work with you to create a personalized self-care plan that you can implement and sustain with your lifestyle.

    At your lifestyle medicine consultation, you will initially meet with your physician or nurse practitioner for one hour. They will learn about your personal, medical and family history; your dietary, exercise and sleep habits; your sources of stress and coping mechanisms, and then will assess your health concerns and evaluate your symptoms, order any necessary tests and create mutually agreed upon lifestyle prescriptions.

    To schedule a consultation, call 513-475-9567.

     

    Past Events

    Read now: Victoria Morgan encourages Cincinnatians to stay healthy and active as they age

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    2023 Medication Through Movement: The Benefits of Tai Chi
    Click here to watch the full presentation
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    2022 Movement as Medicine with Victoria Morgan
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    2019 Optimize Your Wellbeing Community Symposium
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    2019 Sanghvi Memorial Lecture Tai Chi with Dr. Peter Wayne
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    Contact Us

    Osher Center for Integrative
    Health at UC

    Medical Sciences Building Suite 4358
    231 Albert Sabin Way
    PO Box 670582 
    Cincinnati, OH 45267-0582

    Mail Location: 0582
    Phone: 513-558-2310
    Fax: 513-558-3266
    Email: ucihw@uc.edu