Does the word exercise send a ripple of fear in you with the thought of pain and loathing? Most of us associate exercise with the by gone days of standing at school not been picked for the school team, huffing and puffing round a field wondering what relevance it has to your great plan in life!
In hindsight, the relevance it has on life is more significant than people realise. To start with, let’s take away the word exercise and replace it with physical activity. It’s not quite as scary because physical activity is ANY form of bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles, that results in an expenditure of energy.
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Physical activity is not just about exercise and sport, it’s a total active lifestyle that includes taking the stairs instead of the lift, hanging out the washing, walking to the shops or to work and school, gardening, vacuuming and sweeping, and carrying objects.
Physical activity can be as intensive as you want – making you huff and puff and sweat (vigorous activity), make you breathe a bit harder than normal (moderate activity) or not require much effort (light activity).
Simply check below what effects physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle have on your health..
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We now know the huge impact being physically inactive has on our health but just what are the BENEFITS of being active... You will find below a snap shot of these great benefits and over the next few months we will look at each one closer and the effects it has on your body - both psychological and physiological.
- More efficient heart and lungs
- Stronger muscles that enable us to lift, push and pull more easily
- Strong bones and joints that move well
- Greater flexibility so we can stretch and reach with ease and have a better range of movement
- Aids in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders like: back pain, osteoarthritis, bone fractures and connective tissue tears
- Equips us for functional living and a better quality of life as we age
- Increases vitality; you become more lively, energetic and alert creating a sense of psychological wellbeing
- Enables you to relax and sleep well
- Helps in the management of stress and anxiety
- Creates a sense of happiness and makes you feel good about yourself
- It's sociable: giving you time with family, to make new friends, and enjoy good company and good conversation
IS IT REALLY WORTH NOT BEING ACTIVE?
Last updated: 22 January 2010