Nowadays, our sedentary lifestyle has become the norm. We constantly sit in front of our computers, binge-watch TV shows, order food online, and enjoy various technological advancements that don’t require any physical activity.

While all these may seem convenient, they also pose a risk to our health.

The Benefits of Physical Activity

Experts tout the importance of engaging in physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Some of these benefits include:.

Improved heart health: regular exercise helps keep your heart healthy by reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Reduced risk of chronic diseases: studies show that physical activity reduces the risk of chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
Stronger bones and muscles: physical activity improves bone density, muscle strength, and overall physical performance.
Better mental health: physical activity can also help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting self-esteem and a positive mood.

How Much Physical Activity Do Experts Suggest?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week.

This can include any activity that elevates your heart rate and makes you breathe faster, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing.

Overcoming Barriers to Physical Activity

Despite the clear benefits of physical activity, it can be challenging to incorporate it into our daily routine. Here are some common barriers and how to overcome them:.

Lack of time: make physical activity a priority by scheduling it into your calendar or breaking it up into shorter bouts throughout the day.
Cost: consider low-cost options like walking or biking outdoors, home workouts, or joining a community center or gym with affordable rates.
Lack of motivation: find an activity that you enjoy, recruit an exercise buddy, or join a class or group to help keep you accountable.
Physical limitations: consult with a healthcare professional to find safe and suitable exercise options for your condition or injury.

How to Get Started with Physical Activity

If you’re new to physical activity, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration to avoid injury or burnout.

Here are some tips for getting started:

Choose an activity that you enjoy and that fits your schedule and lifestyle.
Warm-up with some stretching and light activity before increasing the intensity.
Start with short intervals of physical activity and gradually increase the duration or intensity as you feel comfortable.
Find a workout buddy or join a community group for accountability and support.
Track your progress and celebrate your achievements to keep yourself motivated.

The Impact of Sedentary Lifestyle on Health

On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle has been linked to various health problems, such as:.

Obesity and weight gain: sitting for long periods reduces calorie burn and can lead to weight gain and obesity.
Cardiovascular disease: prolonged sitting can lead to poor blood circulation, high blood pressure, blood clots, and heart disease.
Type 2 diabetes: sedentary behavior can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
Depression and anxiety: lack of physical activity has been linked to poor mental health and mood disorders.

Conclusion

Experts are urging us to engage in more physical activity to improve our health and well-being.

With the benefits of physical activity being so vast, we should make it a priority in our daily lives and overcome any barriers that may prevent us from doing so. Remember that even small changes in our physical activity routine can make a big difference in our overall health and happiness.