BEING ACTIVE IS ESSENTIAL FOR GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING
In Northern Ireland at least 7 out of 10 people are not physically active enough to benefit their health.
This inactivity is associated with numerous causes of disease and disability in Northern Ireland such as stroke, obesity, diabetes, stress and lower back pain.
There’s Good News!
Even if you haven’t been doing much for a while, don’t despair, you could actually see the most benefit from getting more active.
Evidence shows that inactive people achieve more immediate benefits from resuming activity than those who are already fit.
So on your marks, get set, Go!
The Feel Good Factor
Physical activity isn’t just good for your body, it’s good for your mind too!
Exercise has a positive effect on certain biochemical’s that affect our mood and how we feel, and can help to improve memory and concentration.
It can also be effective in treating anxiety or depression.
Why be active?
- Reduce excess weight and help maintain a healthy weight
- Maintain functional capacity and reduce the risk of health problems later in life
- Improve your self-esteem, and give you a sense of achievement
- Improve your social life by meeting new people
Tips to Getting Active
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Keep it Short and Sweet
Research shows that moderate-intensity physical activity can be accumulated throughout the day in 10-minute bouts, which can be just as effective as exercising for 30 minutes straight. This can be useful when trying to fit physical activity into a busy schedule. -
Mix It Up
Combinations of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity can be used to meet the guidelines. For example, you can walk briskly for 30 minutes twice per week and jog at a higher intensity on two other days. -
Set your Schedule
Maybe it’s easier for you to walk during your lunch hour, or perhaps hitting the pavement right after dinner is best for you. The key is to set aside specific days and times for exercise, making it just as much a regular part of your schedule as everything else. -
The Gym isn't a Necessity
It doesn’t take an expensive gym membership to get the daily recommended amount of physical activity. A pair of trainers and a little motivation are all you need to live a more active, healthier life. -
Make it a Family Affair
Take your spouse, your children, or a friend with you during exercise to add some fun to your routine. This is also a good way to encourage your kids to be physically active and get them committed early to a lifetime of health.
The best thing we can do for our Health
In this video Dr Mike Evans answers the old question “What is the single best thing we can do for our health” in a completely new way.