Fitness At Any Age
Energize Your Life! Who ever said physical activity is all work and no play?
In fact, it can be just the opposite! There is no need to think of strenuous
workouts that are painful and boring. Instead, imagine doing fun physical
activities you enjoy and look forward to. Do physical activity for enjoyment and
watch the health benefits follow!
The importance of physical activity
The evidence is growing and is more convincing than ever! People of all ages
who are generally inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming
active at a moderate-intensity on a regular basis.
Regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary
heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death, and decreases the risk for
stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps to
control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduces falls
among older adults; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of
anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician
visits, and medications. Moreover, physical activity need not be strenuous to be
beneficial; people of all ages benefit from participating in regular,
moderate-intensity physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five
or more times a week.
Despite the proven benefits of physical activity, more than 50% of American
adults do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. 25% of
adults are not active at all in their leisure time. Activity decreases with age
and is less common among women than men and among those with lower income and
less education.
Insufficient physical activity is not limited to adults.
More than a third of young people in grades 9-12 do not regularly engage in
vigorous-intensity physical activity. Daily participation in high school
physical education classes dropped from 42% in 1991 to 32% in 2001 (CDC, 2002).
This section explains why you should be active, how inactivity may hurt your
health, and how physical activity can benefit everyone.
Next: Why should I be active? »
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