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Fitness & exercise
Boost your health and energy by getting plenty of exercise.
You don’t need us to remind you that exercise and a healthy diet are going to give you a fit and toned body. However, that’s not the only reason to break into a sweat- here are some other important benefits of exercise:
- Exercise is great for relieving stress AND boosts your overall mental health.
- If you exercise regularly you have more energy to get through the day.
- Regular exercise can also help if you have problems sleeping.
- Regular exercise helps build healthy bones and muscles.
- Regular exercise can increase self-esteem and confidence and help maintain a healthy weight.
- Taking up a sport is an excellent way to meet new people and have a social life that isn't just based in the pub!
- Overall health- staying fit helps lower the risk of getting a whole range of health problems such as heart disease, adult-onset diabetes, stroke, thrombosis, breast cancer and lots more.
- Best of all, with regular exercise and healthy eating, you'll get to gloat about your healthy lifestyle when all your mates are complaining about being unfit!
What type?
Physical activity can be anything as long as you are moving! Choose an activity you like and something that will keep your interest for a while or choose a variety of favourite activities to do throughout the week.
There are three types of activity:
Aerobic - This includes walking, running, playing team sports (football, basketball, rugby, etc), swimming. Aerobic exercise increases your heart rate, raises your body temperature therefore making you sweat a little, and increase your rate of breathing. This type of physical activity improves your over all fitness, is best for heart health and weigh loss.
Strengthening - This mainly involves weight lifting but also includes things like carrying shopping, school bags, and lifting small children. Weight lifting can help you tone your muscle, loss weight, and build up your muscles. This will help you carry out everyday activities for longer without getting tired, improve the shape of your body and muscles, make your bones and muscles stronger and prevent injury. Remember you should be over 16 before lifting weights.
Flexibility - This includes stretching, yoga, and Tai Chi. Stretching maximises the benefits of weigh training and aerobic exercise. It can prevent injuries and back pain in future years, increase the blow flow to your muscles and made them more efficient . Flexibility is important for preventing muscles becoming sore and injured, helping you carry out everyday activities more easily and improving posture. Why not try out some stretching exercises whilst taking a short breather from your studies or during the ads break of your favourite TV programme!
Remember, take it slowly! When you start an exercise programme, start off gently and set yourself short-term goals. Don't expect miracles and reward yourself for achieving your weekly goals. Take the time to make physical activity a priority in your life, if you don't look after yourself, WHO will?
Health risks of inactivity
- Premature death.
- Heart disease.
- Obesity.
- High blood pressure.
- Adult-onset diabetes.
- Osteoporosis.
- Stroke.
- Depression
- Colon cancer
Some content thanks to YouthHealthNE authors.
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