If you’re finding it hard to find time to exercise, start with small lifestyle changes to get more active. For example, take the stairs, walk or bike instead of driving, park farther away from your destination, or take work breaks to stretch — you can even get some exercise while waiting in line or talking on the phone!

What can I do to support the health of my family and friends, and my community?

Group exercises may be more fun or motivating than working out by yourself. Sign up for group exercise classes. Ask friends, family, or colleagues to join you regularly. Commit to a workout challenge together.

How can I navigate and get support with any systemic barriers to my health?

Physical activity is something we can all do on an individual level, but it’s also important to look at factors that may impact our access to the time, resources, and spaces to be more physically active. Barriers to physical activity are often more pronounced in communities of color. These include a lack of green spaces, safe and walkable neighborhoods, childcare support, and time outside of work that is not in competition with other responsibilities.

In schools, physical activity among adolescents is declining, largely due to a lack of physical education (PE) teachers and classes. Black and Latino school districts disproportionately lack PE teachers.

How can I help advocate for and support systemic change to remove barriers to health?

Physical activity at any age is protective against breast cancer and should be facilitated from childhood through adulthood by systemic policies at local, regional, and national levels. We can work together to improve systems so that it’s easier for everyone to increase physical activity.

Here are some ways we can take systems-level action to reduce breast cancer risk: