The benefits of physical activity are numerous. In addition to promoting healthy muscles and bones, it can help us maintain a healthy weight and improve our cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Regular physical activity is important to maintaining our overall health and reducing our risk for developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It can also improve our mental health and help us prevent mental health issues. However, some people question whether physical activity is necessary or not.
Most people can get more physical activity by becoming more active on a daily basis. Whether you are a gym freak or an ardent sports fan, moderate activity can help your physical health in several ways. When you exercise, your heart rate and breathing rate will increase, making you warmer. You should try to stay at least 30 minutes per day doing moderate intensity activity. You can also play games, take up a hobby or join a sport.
Many countries around the world have launched a global plan to increase physical activity. This action plan includes four policy action areas and twenty specific policy recommendations to address the physical inactivity problem. In addition, WHO has developed the ACTIVE toolkit, which provides technical guidance on implementing the global action plan and its 20 policy recommendations. These guidelines will be useful for governments in many countries. This toolkit will help people start implementing policies that will increase their levels of physical activity.
Exercise is a key part of a healthy life and should be done most days of the week. It should involve at least 150 minutes of vigorous activity or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous activity. At least two of those days should be spent participating in muscle-strengthening activities. Small changes such as walking instead of driving or cycling can add up to a large amount of activity every day. A ten-minute walk to work or school will help you burn more calories.
