Making the most of your
opportunities to be active can pay off dividends in terms of
looking and feeling healthy and happy. Our bodies are designed to
move and yet advances in technology and science mean that there are
fewer requirements on us to be active now than at any time in
history. For this reason, keeping active has become something we
need to plan into our lives.
Just half an hour a day
of moderate activity on at least five days of the week
will be sufficient to achieve all the major health benefits that
regular exercise provides. If it makes you breathe a bit faster and
feel a bit warmer - it's moderate activity and its doing you
good!
There are
lots of ways to live an active lifestyle - and not all involve
expensive equipment or membership of a gym or sports
club. The important thing is to choose something that you enjoy,
something that suits your lifestyle and something that you are able
to do regularly (see Options for
Activity).
Before you exercise,
always remember to warm up first.
Start off gently to prepare your
joints and muscles for action then, when you're ready, increase the
pace until you start to feel warmer and breathe faster.
Walking is an excellent way to keep active and is free (
see
Healthwalks timetable).
If you're too out of breath to
hold a conversation whilst you're exercising then you're working
too hard at this level, and should ease up a little.
Always see
your doctor if you're going to start a new exercise regime or if
you have any health concerns that may affect your ability to
exercise safely
Children and Young People
Don't assume that your children
will get all the exercise they need from their P.E and Games
lessons at school - this may not be the case. Children and young
people need to be physically active for at least an hour a
day. This will help to ensure that their bones, joints and
muscles grow strong. Research suggests that children who are
regularly physically active have a greater resistance to bugs and
colds and are generally more healthy in adult life. Combined
with improved concentration and the health benefits listed below,
it really is worth investing a little extra time to include time
for exercise each day.
Health Benefits of
Physical Activity
- Reduces the risk of, or reduces the risk
of developing:
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Heart Disease
- Colon Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Reduces the symptoms of depression and
anxiety
- Increases psychological wellbeing. Enhances
work, recreation and sport performance.
- Reduces or maintains body weight
- Builds and maintains healthy muscles,
bones and
joints
Options for Activity
If you like time to yourself
try:
Walking (see Walking the Way to Health
Independent Walk packs, Eastleigh/Romsey Health Walks)
- Jogging/Running
- Cycling
- Gym Membership (Fleming Park, Rose Bowl,
Hampshire Health & Tennis Club, Knightwood, Wildern, Hedge End,
Hamble)
If you like company try:
- Walking (WHI led Health Walks)
- Dancing (any form of dancing is good
exercise)
- Fitness Classes
- Sponsored events (fun runs/ walks)
If you're mobility is
restricted or you have health problems try:
-
Exercise
Referral Scheme Health Works
- Extend Classes
If you're pushed for
time:
Try to make some time for
exercise each day. Keeping active is a vital part of looking after
yourself and you'll feel less stressed, have more energy and better
concentration as a result. Exercise is a real 'bargain' if
you want to maintain good health and well being.
Whatever you do make it
count!
Some day-to-day tasks count as
Physical Activity. For example: gardening, housework and shopping.
Do any of these necessary daily tasks in a way that uses a bit more
energy and makes you feel a bit warmer and breathe a bit faster for
at least half an hour and you'll notice an improvement after a
couple of weeks.
Take the stairs whenever you can
and if parking somewhere e.g. supermarket, park as far away from
the shop as you can.