Regular Physical Activity
It might seem like a chore, or you may think you don't have time. However, physical activity comes in many ways and forms, including gardening, housework and walking to the shops.
What do we mean by moderate or vigorous activity? Here’s a quick guide:
Light Activity - Playing catch, throwing a Frisbee, walking slowly, dancing slowly, horseshoes, ping pong and fishing
Moderate Activity - Walking briskly, hiking, leisurely inline skating, bicycling on level terrain, trampoline jumping, weight-training with free weights, dancing, doubles tennis, shooting baskets, recreational swimming, canoeing, skateboarding, surfing, snorkeling, horseback riding, volleyball and playground activities
Vigorous Activity - Running, energetic aerobics or dancing, swimming continuous laps, bicycling uphill, climbing stairs, jump rope, jumping jacks, fast-paced inline skating, intensely training for competitive sports
Beginners, regardless of age, should start easy and build to regular, moderate activity. Regular means just about every day. Moderate exercise is when you are active enough to increase your heart rate and breathing for an hour. You should be able to talk to someone, but you shouldn’t be able to sing.
With more skills and training, regular moderate and vigorous activities should be part of your routine.
Regular physical activity helps reduce the effects of aging such as limited mobility, balance, flexibility and muscle strength. It also decreases the risk of heart problems and osteoporosis, as well as keeping you in a happy and healthy frame of mind.
From golf, bowls, swimming, tennis, walking, dancing or simply gardening or walking the dog, all these activities play a vital role in ensuring you look and feel younger and healthier, and have a better quality of life
Regular physical activity is one of the main factors which:
- Contributes to healthy bones, muscles and joints
- Gives you more energy and a feeling of well being
- Reduces body fat and helps to manage your weight
- Tones muscles
- Decreases the risk of stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity
- Improves coordination and balance
Helps you to relax and sleep better
- Keeps your heart strong
- Getting moving is the one factor that you can influence and change yourself without medication or treatment, and usually with very little cost