The World Health Organization estimates that globally, about 65% of all people do not get a sufficient amount of exercise each week in order to maintain proper health and fitness.
That is an astonishing statistic and it should not just worry us, but I believe it should shock us into doing something about our health and fitness. As you read this article, ask yourself if you are among the 60% to 70% of individuals that WHO referred to in that report. The fact is that if you are not getting enough physical activity you are at risk for some very serious health problems and, perhaps, an early demise.
Perhaps worse than an early death is ending up in a situation where our loved ones have to take care of us because we have suffered a debilitating stroke or heart attack, and all because of our sedentary lifestyle. This is nothing to brush off, thinking that it cannot happen to me. Think about this fact: non-communicable diseases that are the direct result of physical inactivity are now the greatest threat to public health on a global basis. In particular, insufficient physical activity is a real concern among certain high risk populations, such as older adults, young people, and women.
Some of the factors that have contributed to the increase in physical inactivity are wide spread use of the automobile, automation, and labour-saving devices. Additionally, many individuals spend significant amounts of time sitting in front of the television or on the computer surfing the Internet, chatting, or playing online games. This is of particular concern because of the numbers of young people that do not get enough physical activity. Their risk of suffering from the diseases mentioned above are multiplied many fold because they lack sufficient activity at such a young age.
Among young people and children it is common to sit for hours chatting online with their friends or playing online games. In many families evenings are spent sitting in front of the television watching programs instead of engaging in some type of physical activity. Since so many children and teenagers lack meaningful physical activity on a daily basis, the risk of them suffering from the diseases caused by a sedentary lifestyle are increased exponentially. These include:
However, it’s important to note that the suggestion for moderate exercise does not mean that those who are able to engage in more vigorous activity should not, or do not need to do so. In fact, research shows that vigorous physical activity provides extra health benefits that moderate exercise does not, such as improving the health of the heart and circulatory system as well as the metabolising of glucose. For most people, it will be necessary to spend a number of months exercising in order to build up their conditioning and stamina to the point of being able to workout at a more vigorous level.
Stroke
Heart disease
Place more than the usual load on muscles
Depression
Diabetes
Obesity
In order to achieve further maximum health benefits, activities should:
No parent wants to see his or her child suffer from such diseases. Therefore, we all need to give thought to getting involved in a regular program of exercise in order to assure that we are getting a sufficient amount of physical activity on a daily basis. Our bodies were made to move and to work hard, and when they do not receive the proper amount of exercise and use they begin to atrophy. In the both the UK and the US the recommendation is that a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise should be done daily. Moderate exercise would involve going for a very brisk walk so that you are breathing hard.
To achiever maximum health benefits, activities should:
Include a variety of vigorous activities
Burn up to 2000 kcal/week
Be maintained throughout one’s lifetime
The benefits of increasing the amount of physical activity you get each week are numerous. They include reducing your risk of early death from heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes.You’ll also find that you will be able to manage your weight much easier, increase your body’s tolerance for physical work and improve both your muscle and bone health. Your mental well-being and quality of life are also likely to improve significantly. You may not just add years to your life, but add life to your years, especially your later years.
So, there is no good reason to put off getting started on a regular exercise program. Any individual that cares about their own health and well-being as well as that of their loved ones will start making time to get active.
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