Why should I be more active?
by Ian Smith, Perth & Kinross Leisure
Being active will make a difference to your quality of life. Once you start, the benefits will become obvious. You'll experience:
- Better health
- More energy - you'll be able to cope with your daily routine and have energy to spare
- Reduced stress - you'll relax more easily and feel better about yourself
- Stronger bones and muscles
- Better balance, strength, suppleness and mobility
- More independence in later life - you'll be able to cope with daily tasks more easily
- Improved sleep
- Better maintenance of a healthy weight
- More social opportunities - you'll meet other people who enjoy being active
- A sense of achievement
- Increased enjoyment - activity can be fun and it's something you could do as a family.
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Physical activity improves both your physical and mental health. It is one of the most important factors in maintaining a good quality of life.
The heart is a muscle, but it's the most important muscle we've got, and it needs exercise to keep fit so that it can pump blood efficiently with heart beat.
Who can benefit from being more active?
Everyone can benefit - whatever your age, size or physical condition. Just remember that you are never too old or too unfit to start doing something.
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In fact, the greatest increase in health benefit comes to inactive people who start to take regular moderate physical activity. Your health risks will decrease as soon as you start to do more.
How much activity should I be doing?
Any increase will benefit your health but experts agree that all adults should aim to build up to at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on 5 or more days of the week.
Still need convincing? Cut this out and put it on your fridge door so that you are reminded of it every time you go for a cool beer or glass of chilled wine.
10 reasons to be active:
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| 1. Health Activity can improve the quality of your life in the future. People who are physically active reduce their risk of developing major chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, strokes, obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), colorectal cancer, stress, anxiety, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and low back pain.
2. Energy Activity peps you up, giving you plenty of enthusiasm for your leisure when you've finished work.
3. Metabolism You burn more energy at work and rest as a result of being active, so it's great for maintaining or losing weight.
4. Mood Activity stimulates endorphins - the 'happy hormones' which make you feel good. Everything seems easier and more enjoyable.
5. Concentration Even a short activity break helps to re-focus the mind and improves the quality and quantity of work you do.
6. Stress Staying active while you cope with life's ups and downs relaxes the mind and body, and helps to reduce the build-up of tension.
7. Strength Regular activity helps you maintain your strength as you get older. Keeping your bones and muscles strong - including your heart - protects you from disease, accidents and loss of independence.
8. Immunity Activity boosts the immune system, helping to prevent those irritating illnesses that get you down, and allowing you to enjoy work and play throughout the year.
9. Self-esteem Many physical activities develop skills, build confidence and help you feel more in control of your life.
10. Social life Activities in teams, clubs or leisure centres are great for meeting people outside work and expanding your network of friends.
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