For some people, physical activity is a chore. For others, it’s something that they look forward to every day. No matter how you feel about exercise, there’s no denying its importance for our health. Physical activity can help ward off illnesses like heart disease and stroke, as well as improve our mental health. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity each week can reduce your risk of death by up to 30 percent. Although there are plenty of benefits to be had from regular physical activity, many people are inactive for reasons beyond their control. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of physical activity for adults and provide tips on how you can make it a part of your life.
Why is physical activity important?
Physical activity has been shown to have many benefits for both the individual and society as a whole. These benefits include reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer; improving mental health; helping people maintain a healthy weight; and increasing overall productivity.
Physical activity can be achieved in many ways, including by participating in sport or exercise activities outdoors or indoors, by performing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at least once a day for at least 30 minutes, or by doing small amounts of physical activity throughout the day. It is important to note that no one type of physical activity is better than others – each type of physical activity has its own set of benefits and should be pursued accordingly to achieve the most positive results.
How much physical activity is enough?
Physical activity is important for adults of all ages, but it’s especially important for those who are at risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physical activity can Reduce your risk of developing these diseases by up to 30 percent.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that adults get at least 70 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. This means that you should be able to engage in activities that make you moderately sweaty (but not so sweaty that you can’t continue). Examples of moderateintensity activities include:
- Brisk walking.
- Swimming laps.
- Cycling slowly around a track.
- Playing soccer or tennis.
- Using the stairs rather than the elevator.
How to start being more active
Physical activity is important for adults in order to maintain healthy body composition, reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, and improve overall health. There are many different ways to become more active and find what works best for you.
One way to get started is by considering your current level of physical activity. For some people, being more active may mean walking or biking to work each day. For others, it may mean taking a leisurely walk during their lunch break. The key is to find an activity that you can do easily and regularly, and that you enjoy.
Once you know how much physical activity you need each day, it’s time to figure out what activities fit that bill. Try finding an exercise routine that combines cardio and strength-training activities. Not only will this mix help you burn calories, but it will also help build muscle mass and reduce your risk of weight gain or obesity over time.
Of course, being physically active isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s important to have a support system: friends, family members, or a fitness class instructor who can motivate you along the way. Plus, staying motivated can be tough on its own—so having encouragement from someone else can really help!
