The Benefits of Physical Activity
The Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths globally.
Regular moderate intensity physical activity – such as walking, cycling, or participating in sports – has significant benefits for health
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can help to control your weight, reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome and risk of some cancers. Furthermore, it also helps to strengthen your bones and muscles, improve your mental health and mood, your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls, if you're an older adult. It can increase your chances of living longer as well.
If you're not sure about becoming active or boosting your level of physical activity because you're afraid of getting hurt, the good news is that moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, is generally safe for most people.
Start slowly. Cardiac events, such as a heart attack, are rare during physical activity. But the risk does go up when you suddenly become much more active than usual. For example, you can put yourself at risk if you don't usually get much physical activity and then all of a sudden do vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, like shoveling snow. That's why it's important to start slowly and gradually increase your level of activity.
If you have a chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease, talk with your doctor to find out if your condition limits, in any way, your ability to be active. Then, work with your doctor to come up with a physical activity plan that matches your abilities. If your condition stops you from meeting the minimum Guidelines, try to do as much as you can. What's important is that
Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths globally.
Regular moderate intensity physical activity – such as walking, cycling, or participating in sports – has significant benefits for health
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can help to control your weight, reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome and risk of some cancers. Furthermore, it also helps to strengthen your bones and muscles, improve your mental health and mood, your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls, if you're an older adult. It can increase your chances of living longer as well.
If you're not sure about becoming active or boosting your level of physical activity because you're afraid of getting hurt, the good news is that moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, is generally safe for most people.
Start slowly. Cardiac events, such as a heart attack, are rare during physical activity. But the risk does go up when you suddenly become much more active than usual. For example, you can put yourself at risk if you don't usually get much physical activity and then all of a sudden do vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, like shoveling snow. That's why it's important to start slowly and gradually increase your level of activity.
If you have a chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease, talk with your doctor to find out if your condition limits, in any way, your ability to be active. Then, work with your doctor to come up with a physical activity plan that matches your abilities. If your condition stops you from meeting the minimum Guidelines, try to do as much as you can. What's important is that