Being Active

Working out just 30 minutes a day can do wonders for your health. Learn how to get in shape the way that works best for you, whether you’re interested in a simple stroll around the neighborhood or if you want to do a gym deep-dive, this is the page for you!

Getting Started
Activity For All
Healthy Weight
Being Active With Others
Get Out in Missouri

Getting Started

The first step is the first step and we all know sometimes that one can be the hardest to take. But look at everything else you’ve done in your life – you can totally handle this.

We’ll help you get started with some information about what it looks like to be active and ways to start that process. Try walking around the block or taking the stairs instead of the elevator or picking up an outdoor hobby, like gardening. They may seem insignificant at first, but all the small steps lead to those giant leaps we know you can make.

Activity For All

The beauty of bodies is that they’re all just about as diverse as can be. Our bodies need and are capable of different things, so it’s just as well that there are that many different exercises for all our bodies. Generally speaking, exercises are broken down into three categories: (1) aerobic, (2) strength, and (3) flexibility. No one is necessarily more important than the other. Depending on your body, you may need more or less of one or the other.

We all need to move our bodies in the ways that we can. If you haven’t tried anything out before, check out some starter tips for exercising. And, if you already know what you need, dive right in to how-to’s for every type of activity.

Healthy Weight

Here at OPAH, “fit and fabulous” is the name of the game. We’re not going to be another voice in your head nagging that something’s wrong with you or that your beautiful body isn’t absolutely incredible (we know it is!). We’re not concerned about your pant size or the calorie count in that delicious-looking veggie and hummus plate you’re about to eat. We just want you to be healthy and happy. Maintaining a weight that is healthy for you is one part of having good health. It’s an important part, but it’s still only one part.

With all the messages out there (“do this!”, “don’t do that!”), how do we clear through the muck to the heart of a healthy body? It’s simple. Eat well. Move often. Listen to your body. Love yourself. Find more about all that here.

Being Active With Others

Who wants to exercise? Okay, we’re sure some of you do. But for the rest of us, exercise is a dirty word. But take us dancing? We’re on. Hit the softball field? You know we’re all over that. Jog that entire 5K to raise money for queer youth around the state? You’ve never seen us jog so well.

Here’s the thing: getting active with other people can make all the difference. All of a sudden, exercise becomes fun, a chance to connect with other people and build community. Here in Missouri, we’ve got a surprising number of active, sports-y LGBTQ groups. From swimming and running to the Gay Rodeo and Gay Games, we are definitely a community on the move. Join up!

Get Out in Missouri

Just need to get OUT for a minute? We totally understand. Luckily, we live in a beautiful state. Whether you’re down in the Ozarks, up in the furthest Northeast corner of the state, or right in the middle of downtown Kansas City, chances are you can look out and see something just gorgeous. (And we’re not talking about that hot little number out the window, either. Focus people!)

We’re lucky because that means we merely need to walk out our front door to find great places to be outside in our state. Parks, trails, rivers, hills, fields – we’ve got ’em. It’s like a scene from the Sound of Music out there. So go seize the day! Unless the weather’s bad. In that case, wait a few hours, then… seize the day!