What Is Physical Activity?
Physical activity is any movement of the body that requires more energy than resting. It can be as simple as walking or as vigorous as running. Physical activity is important for people of all ages, and it can help to improve your health in many ways.
One of the most important benefits of physical activity is that it can help to protect your heart and lungs. When you are physically active, your heart and lungs become stronger and more efficient. This means that they can pump blood and oxygen throughout your body more effectively. This can help to reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases.
Physical activity can also help to improve your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. These are all important factors in heart health. In addition, physical activity can help to reduce your weight and body fat, which can also improve your heart health.
Another benefit of physical activity is that it can help to improve your mood and mental health. When you are physically active, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Physical activity can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.
There are many different types of physical activity that you can do to improve your health. Some examples include walking, running, swimming, biking, dancing, and playing sports. You can also do strength-training exercises, such as lifting weights, to help build muscle and bone mass.
The amount of physical activity that you need depends on your age, fitness level, and health goals. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week. In addition, adults should do muscle-strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups on two or more days a week.
If you are new to physical activity, start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you spend being active each week. You should also talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
The benefits of physical activity are numerous, and they can help to improve your health in many ways. So get moving and start reaping the rewards of physical activity today!
Here are some additional tips for getting started with physical activity:
- Find an activity that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle.
- Set realistic goals and gradually increase the amount of activity you do each week.
- Find a friend or family member to exercise with you.
- Make physical activity a part of your daily routine.
Benefits:
Physical activity has many health benefits for people of all ages, races, and ethnicities.
- It helps you maintain a healthy weight and makes it easier to do daily tasks.
- It lowers your risk for depression, cognitive decline, and many diseases, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- It strengthens your heart and improves lung function.
- It reduces your risk for coronary heart disease by lowering blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. It also helps you maintain a healthy weight, manage blood sugar and insulin levels, and reduce inflammation.
- For people who have coronary heart disease, regular aerobic activity helps the heart work better and may reduce the risk of a second heart attack.
If you are not active, start slowly and gradually increase the amount of activity you do each day. Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Here are some specific examples of physical activities that you can do:
- Walking
- Biking
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Jumping rope
- Playing sports
- Gardening
- Yardwork
- Cleaning the house
- Walking up and down stairs
No matter what your age or fitness level, there is an activity that is right for you. So get moving and start enjoying the many health benefits of physical activity!
Here are some additional tips for getting started with physical activity:
- Find an activity that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle.
- Set realistic goals and gradually increase the amount of activity you do each week.
- Find a friend or family member to exercise with you.
- Make physical activity a part of your daily routine.
Remember, even a little bit of physical activity is better than none. So get moving and start enjoying the many health benefits of physical activity today!