Let’s get physical…
Physical activity has been recognised as essential to our health and well-being as far back as Hippocrates…
“All parts of the body which have a function, if used in moderation and exercised in labours in which each is accustomed, become thereby healthy, well developed and age more slowly”
Not much has changed since then aside from the fact that we are becoming more and more inactive! One in four Irish adults do not take part in any activity and six out of ten do not take enough activity to benefit their health. If you are thinking about becoming more active, consider the following benefits you will get:
- Improved blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Reduced risk of stroke and heart disease
- Reduced risk of dying prematurely, of developing diabetes and certain cancers.
- Build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints.
- Increased flexibility, stamina, strength and improves circulation
- Help with weight management.
And some side-effects will include better sleep, improved concentration and productivity and a greater sense of well-being!
The good news is that to obtain all these benefits, you don’t need to run marathons or don your lycra and head to the gym! The latest research tells us that health gains can be obtained just by “accumulating at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on 5 or more days of the week”!
The mere mention of physical activity for some people conjures up unpleasant images of boring exercises and competitive sports. However, physical activity means any movement that expends energy so it includes activities such as walking, swimming and dancing. It can also include daily tasks such as physically demanding gardening and housework. Try out a variety of activities and find what you enjoy and can incorporate into your daily life.
For those of you who feel you don’t have the time to be more active, you will be happy to hear that the 30 minutes does not have to be done all at once. The 30 minutes can be spread throughout the day in 10 or 15 minutes sessions so it can fit into even your busiest day. Walking the dog for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening is as effective for gaining health benefits as swimming for 30 minutes!
So go on – grab those runners, get active and experience the wonderful benefits that physical activity can bring! As a renowned GP once stated, “If exercise could be packed in a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine”