Active Living Starts Now — Join Us in Celebrating National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Building active habits has a powerful impact on both your immediate and long-term health. This May, Living Water Clinic-Clinica Agua Viva is proud to celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and we want you to be part of it!
Our Medical Director, Dr. Jerry Neria, comes from a background in bodybuilding. Along with his wife, Dr. Angelina Neria, they’re passionate about helping others discover the benefits of physical activity. In this blog, they share why staying active matters and offer practical tips for optimizing your fitness, lifestyle, and nutrition.
At Living Water Clinic, our family medicine team places a strong emphasis on lifestyle and nutritional health. Are you ready to kick off an active and vibrant spring and summer?
Movement is medicine. Being physically active not only supports your physical health but also boosts your mental and emotional well-being. In fact, regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety while helping you manage stress more effectively. A brisk walk or workout can offer clarity and relief from daily pressures.
From a physical standpoint, exercise improves cardiovascular health, supports healthy weight management, strengthens muscles (including your heart), and reduces fat. These benefits help lower your risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, joint problems, and more.
Sports medicine care is also available at Living Water Clinic for teens and adults. If you’re an athlete pushing your body to perform, having the support of an experienced medical team is key to preventing stress injuries and maintaining peak performance.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. That’s about 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. Increasing this to 300 minutes a week offers even greater benefits.
For kids and teens ages 6–17, at least 60 minutes of moderate to intense activity daily is recommended.
Are you getting enough exercise each week? If not, don’t worry—Dr. Jerry and Dr. Angelina Neria and the team at Living Water Clinic are here to help you build healthy, lasting habits.
It’s okay to start small. Even a short, gentle walk each day is better than remaining sedentary. As your body adapts, you can gradually increase your activity levels and set new fitness goals.
If you find yourself avoiding physical activity, try finding something you genuinely enjoy. Exercise doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym solo. Consider joining a team sport—leagues are available for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Group fitness classes like yoga or Pilates offer community and connection, while activities like dance, gardening, or hiking add fun and creativity to your routine.
You may also need to tailor your fitness plan around existing health needs. Previous injuries, joint pain, or chronic conditions like osteoarthritis can make certain movements challenging. Your primary care doctor can help you find safe and effective activities that work for your body.
Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, weightlifting, and resistance training are great options for maintaining strength and mobility while minimizing joint stress.
No matter your age or fitness history, it’s never too late to start moving more.
Get in touch with the Living Water Clinic team to discuss your goals and start building a healthier, more active lifestyle.
We’re here for you in Porterville, Lindsay, Woodlake, and Visalia, California. Call us today or book your appointment online!
Porterville: (559)-784-5483
Lindsay: (559)-562-1361
Visalia: (559)-635-1746
Woodlake: (559)-564-1100
