Physical Activity
Being physically active is essential for good health. Having an active lifestyle can help you manage your weight, improve your general well being and prevent some illnesses. When it comes to exercise, try to find something you enjoy, whether that be walking, gardening, cycling, dancing or an organised sport. If you enjoy what you are doing you are more likely to keep it up.
What are the benefits of being physically active?
Taking part in regular physical activity can help people feel better in many ways.
It can:
help you lose weight
help you improve your general health
help reduce stress and alleviate depression
helping you relax and sleep better
improve mobility, balance and muscle strength
promote an overall sense of well being
prevent some illnesses
reduce the risk of heart disease, type diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity and being hurt in a fall
help you enjoy activities with family and friends.
be friendly and sociable
be free
How much activity should I do?
Experts recommend that the average adult should try to build up to at least 30 minutes per day of physical activity five days of the week. You can do it in smaller chunks, e.g 3 x 10 minute sessions or 2 x 15 minute sessions.
Everyone is different you should exercise at your own pace and at a level that is comfortable for you. However, in order to achieve health benefits when exercising you should feel you are breathing slightly harder and feeling warmer than normal.
There are lots of ways of fitting activity into your life. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Use the stairs instead of the lift
Park further away in the car park
Walk instead of driving if the distance is short
Walk the dog instead of just letting it out
Instead of e-mailing or calling a collegue, walk to their desk
Walk your child to school
Change the channel on the TV without the remote control
Aim to climb the stairs 10 times a day
Avoid sitting for long periods – get up and walk around regularly
When you are ready you could start introducing additional activities into your day such as:
Walking – It is the most accessible of activities. Why not get a group of friends together and arrange a walk.
Swimming – It is an excellent way to be active. The water supports your body weight so it is a great choice if you are overweight, suffer from back pain, arthritis or have a disability.
Cycling - cycling reduces the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and the most common form of diabetes and there are no real age barriers to cycling, and people of most fitness levels can cycle, slowly and gently if necessary.
The choices are endless!