Health Articles Magazine

The current lifestyle in the industrialized countries involves a little significant energy expenditure in the accomplishment of the majority of daily tasks. The sedentary lifestyle, as a result of modern comforts, together with leisure activities based on television, film, computer, etc., mean, besides a saving in caloric expenditure, a level of physical inactivity that in the long run. It can affect physical fitness, ideal body weight and, consequently, health. In this article, we will discuss the importance of physical exercise in our daily life.

Physical activity contributes to improving several aspects related to physical fitness, such as cardiorespiratory endurance, strength, and flexibility, etc. which improves the ability to carry out daily tasks without fatigue, leaving enough energy to enjoy leisure activities and to meet unforeseen needs. The physical exercise practiced on a regular basis is not only beneficial in the prevention of overweight and obesity, but also increases bone density, by enhancing bone formation by depositing calcium, reduces body fat and increases muscle, and reduces the risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer, since it improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, normalizes cholesterol levels and reduces blood pressure. Do not forget that physical exercise also improves psychological well-being.

Performing physical activity is beneficial for people of all ages, fitness levels and physical conditions:

In childhood and youth, the game has traditionally been the most common physical activity. Active and informal games are ideal because they involve the use of different muscle groups, foster social relationships and, most importantly, are fun. However, there are other types of activities, such as sports, running, swimming, walking, walking, dancing, cycling, hiking, etc. which are an excellent sample of simple actions that help to gain health. At this stage of life, it is advisable to perform an hour of moderate physical activity each day, at least.

The majority of adults can perform a physical activity safely and comfortably, even in times such as pregnancy and lactation. Simply select one or several activities, think when they are going to carry out, find the place, the team (if necessary) and how to incorporate that activity into the daily routine and, very importantly, motivate you enough to start. It is advisable to perform at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five or more days per week.

In addition to sport, there are many activities to choose from:

• Traveling on foot or by bike to work, shopping, errands, etc.
• Climb stairs instead of taking the elevator or the escalator.
• Park the car farther than usual.
• Get off the bus or metro a few stops before.
• Share the moments of play and leisure with the children.
• Play and walk with the animals.
• Dancing, hiking, working the garden or the garden, etc.
• Limit the time spent on television, the computer, video consoles, etc.

In the case of the elderly, it is important to tone and strengthen the muscles and maintain the mobility of the joints to facilitate daily tasks and reduce the risk of falls. It is advisable to be constant and active

without reaching exhaustion. Although there may be different types of barriers that make physical activity difficult in older people, with the help of a professional who advises, you can find suitable exercises adapted to each particular situation, from walking, swimming, water exercises, dancing, techniques of relaxation and stretching, etc.

In any of the cases, if you do not have the habit of doing physical exercise regularly, you should start gradually.