What is the Importance of Physical Activity in Our Lives?

What is the Importance of Physical Activity in Our Lives?

What is Physical Activity?

Physical activity is an international term used to describe body movements using energy. In its simplest definition, it is the movement of the body to expend energy. Physical activity can be defined as activities that consume energy by using our muscles and joints in daily life, increase heart and respiratory rate, and result in fatigue of different degrees.

Walking
Don't run
Bounce
Swimming
Cycling
Squatting and standing
Arm and leg movements
Head and trunk movements
Various sports branches that involve all or some of the basic body movements such as dance, exercise, games and activities during the day can be considered as physical activity.

Exercise is physical activity performed regularly. Exercise involves regular and repetitive body movements.

Why is Physical Activity Important?

Health; It is defined as the individual being in a state of complete physical, spiritual and social well-being.

The effects of physical activity on our health can be examined under the following headings:

Effects on our physical health,
Maintaining and increasing muscle strength,
Maintaining body smoothness and posture,
Reducing fatigue,
The rhythm of the heart is regulated,
By strengthening the heart, it increases blood flow to the heart and reduces the risk of heart attack,
There is an increase in respiratory capacity,
Individuals who engage in regular activity are more successful than inactive individuals in getting rid of cigarette addiction,
Regular physical activity helps control diabetes and blood sugar by controlling insulin activity,
It helps balance the body's use of water, salt and minerals,
It accelerates metabolism and prevents weight gain by introducing the habit of meeting energy needs by burning fat,
It reduces the risk of developing early dementia and forgetfulness due to the increase in blood flow to the brain due to its effects on the vascular structure.
It reduces the risk of developing cerebrovascular diseases.
Its effects on our mental and social health,
Due to its positive effects on healthy muscle, bone and joint structure, it creates self-confident individuals who are at peace with their bodies by improving body shape and awareness.
It improves the ability to think positively and cope with stress,
It creates a sense of well-being and happiness.

How much physical activity should be done and how?

Even 30-60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity performed 3-4 times a week is usually sufficient to reveal positive effects on our health.

The physical activity program is personalized. In the activity programs created, progression steps should be determined by taking into account the frequency, duration and intensity of the person's physical activity. Thus, the positive effects of physical activity on health are increased and made permanent.

Active lifestyle should be made a habit. If the habit of physical activity is not turned into a regular program, body systems that are regulated by activity for a certain period of time will quickly begin to lose the beneficial effects that occur after the activity is stopped.

Source: https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/