As the weather cools and the days get shorter, it is easy to lose the motivation to move! With Exercise Right Week from 21st – 27th May, we wanted to help you stay motivated.
Physical inactivity is now the 4th leading cause of death due to non-communicable disease worldwide! That means more people die from physical inactivity than smoking now!
What is physical inactivity?
Physical inactivity is a term used to identify people who do not do the recommended amount of physical activity. It has been identified that currently 70% of Australians are physically inactive.
What are the recommendations, you ask?
Firstly, it is important to remember that anything is better than nothing and that these recommendations may not be appropriate straight away! They are more like a goal to progress towards slowly. Consult with our Exercise Physiologist about appropriate amounts to start with and progress to.
The current recommendation includes accumulating 150 – 300 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise or 75 – 150 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic exercise per week plus at least two days of strengthening exercises.
Aerobic exercise includes walking, swimming, cycling, running, dancing or anything that makes you breathe harder and your heart beat faster. The best way to think of moderate intensity is that you notice a change in your breathing but you could still talk, just not be able to sing a song. With vigorous exercise, you are breathing harder and would find it difficult to hold a conversation with anyone at all.
Strengthening exercises can be performed using dumbbells, resistance bands, body weight or machines. Using different amounts of load you can target muscle strength, hypertrophy or muscle endurance. If you are new to strength training, it is always a good idea to start with a light load and focus on good technique before adding extra weight.
Exercise has many benefits, including but not limited to: playing a vital role in injury rehabilitation, arthritis management, osteoporosis prevention, heart health and general well-being.
If you feel like you may benefit from a structured exercise program, book in with our Accredited Exercise Phyiologist.
For more information about exercising right and changing your life:
http://exerciseright.com.au/exercise-right-week-2017