There is almost no denying that staying active and maintaining a consistent level of physical activity have become increasingly difficult in our society today. As a result, sedentary living has become a new “norm” for many.
However, in a society where sedentary living has taken on this role, it’s easy to see why we take great interest and concern for our weight and health. Physical activity is important for our bodies to stay healthy and functional, and without it, we may notice that other areas of our life begin to suffer.
Why is this, and what can we do about it? Below, we explore the relationship between our levels of physical activity and the resulting effects on our bodies.
Why Are We Less Active?
Take a look at your average day. For a great majority of us, that means juggling the responsibilities of our family and social circles, our job demands, our financial needs and more. Usually, this gives us little room to devote to exercise and fitness — especially when these demands take on a more sedentary role.
For example, someone who works eight hours at a desk everyday and comes home to pay bills, cook dinner and maintain their home leaves little to no room for increasing their levels of physical activity. Unfortunately, this example is not uncommon.
Over the years, the types of jobs which become available take on different kinds of physical activity. Higher intensity jobs such as manufacturing and labor-specific jobs have declined, while lower intensity jobs in the service and professional industries have increased.
In fact….
- In 1960, 1 out of 2 Americans held a job where physical activity is involved.
- Today, only 1 in 5 Americans hold a job where physical activity is involved.
Additionally, elements such as outside temperature, culture, eating patterns, social lives, etc. may make it harder for us to find time to exercise and get active.
Getting Active: Our Bodies and Physical Activity
Our bodies thrive on exercise, and all kinds of physical activity can play a significant role in our weight and health. By participating in regular physical activity, we reap astounding benefits such as:
Improved Mental Health – Less stress, anxiety and depression- Greater Endurance – More energy and stamina for exercise and daily life
- Healthier Weight – Weight-loss and weight maintenance, depending on what stage we’re at on the journey with weight and health
- Stronger Bodies – Increased muscle mass, healthier bone density, etc.
- Improved Vitals – Healthier levels of cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc.
- An Overall Higher Quality of Life!
Now, you may notice that as we age, our fitness levels have a tendency to decline. However, research has shown that even a moderate increase in daily activity each day/week can increase our health significantly. This means that the most important thing you can do to achieve greater activity and increased fitness for your health is to just get out there and move!
Regular aerobic activity and resistance training can have miraculous effects on our bodies. And, your method of achieving those effects depends on you, your own time constraints, fitness levels, etc. For some, you may want to aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, five days a week. If you’re participating in more vigorous exercise, you may even aim for a little less.
So, let’s end with a few basic steps to get you up and moving for your health.
- Assess Your Current Activity Level – How much physical activity are you getting each day/week? What effect is that having on your body?
- Develop a Plan – Based on your previous assessment, what kind of exercise plan or routine can you create that will help you reach your goals? Remember to factor in the amount of time you have, what your body is physically able to do, and what you need to be successful.
- Allow Time to Improve – Once your exercise begins to come easy, stop and determine whether it’s time for you to step it up a notch. Do you need to be exercising for longer periods of time? Are you ready to exercise at higher intensities? It’s time to gauge your activity level and determine what comes next.
Looking for More Informative about Getting Active?
To learn more about staying active in a sedentary world, you can watch the full video with Dr. Tim Church from the 2012 Your Weight Matters National Convention by CLICKING HERE.
