Why physical activity is SO important!
Physical activity and exercise, are these one in the same? While they do relate, there are some differences. Physical activity includes any health enhancing bodily movement. Activities such as gardening, walking to the bus stop, jogging, swimming, or washing the car. While exercise is an activity you do repetitively and purposefully to promote your fitness. This would include activities such as dance, swimming, jogging, or lifting weights. For this post we are going to focus on physical activity. This quarter at school I am in a physical activity and wellness class, so this topic was one I felt was perfect to touch on.
Many of us know that we should take part in physical activity, but unfortunately that's not always enough to get us to take initiative and do so. Did you know that less than half the nations population is doing enough physical activity to contribute to good health? Wouldn't it feel so good knowing you're part of that small percentage, moving your body, and taking part in healthy habits? Personally, I feel very proud of myself for taking the initiative to be active most days of the week. I want you to know that it is possible to make physical activity, muscular and bone strength training, and flexibility a painless part of your life. I'm not telling you to go to the gym and spend countless hours week by week lifting weights or running on the treadmill. Instead, I am suggesting that you add a little movement to your day to day routine, if it's not something you take part in already. This can be as simple as a 30 minute walk, 5 days a week. Often I find that many people don't think they have the option to be physically active. Simply because they don't have equipment or access to a gym. This isn't true at all. While regular physical activity does require commitment, it doesn't require equipment. Think parking farther away at the grocery store, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, taking a 5 minute walk break from sitting at your desk at work. Some physical activity is better than none! Do you already feel like you incorporate enough movement, or do you feel like you could step it up a little bit?
Let's take a look at some of the benefits of regular physical activity.
- It may lead to the development of other healthy habits. It could facilitate healthy eating habits, and improve sleep!
- Reduces risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer.
- Provides a sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that you're doing something positive for yourself.
- Increases self esteem.
- Improves the quality and quantity of your life.
- Reduces stress, anxiety and depression.
- Decreases body fat, and increases lean body tissue due to increased levels of HDL cholesterol. (aka good cholesterol)
- Lowers LDL cholesterol. (aka bad cholesterol)
After seeing some of the benefits of simply moving your body a little more each day, I hope this motivates you do so if you don't already. It's important to listen to your body, and go at a pace that is realistic for you. Take it slow, and as weeks pass by, and you've been incorporating more physical activity into your day to day routine, play around with something new! Who knows, maybe you'll even be enticed to exercise. ;)
"Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness." - Edward Stanley