Essentials of Health - Physical Activity

Physical activity

may think that your current medical condition or that the chronic pain you are suffering from makes it impossible for you to do physical activity.

Whatever your conception or fear may be, the truth is that introducing physical activity in your life is much easier than you think. And it doesn't have to be very hard or at all painful to improve your health. The key is slow and steady progress. Slow and steady: that is what will help improve your health and well-being much more effectively than trying to do too much too fast. Physical activity does not need to be done all at once either: you can divide it into a few smaller periods throughout a given day instead of one long period. Then, just add to it little by little, slowly and progressively, at your own pace. After three months of regular physical activity, you will definitely notice a difference.

Exercising can also become truly exhilarating. By triggering the release of endorphins (natural morphine-like hormones secreted by your brain), exercise actually makes you feel good, happy, sexy, and energized.

So, I do understand I should and can exercise more, but how can I find the time? How can I fight discouragement or get motivated to start on a physical activity program?

Tips

First, if you have a medical condition or if you simply are unsure, consult with your physician or a health care professional before starting on a physical activity program.

Then, the possibilities are countless; choose activities that you can easily fit into your daily routine, ones that appeal to you and that will be fun for you.

You will find wonderful tips on the following web site from the Public Health Agency of Canada: Click here.

Do you have difficulties getting motivated? Are you afraid of introducing exercise into your life because:

You feel too tired to get started?

You just don’t want to exercise?

You have arthritis or stiff joints?

You have osteoporosis?

You have concerns about your heart?

You are unsteady on your feet?

You are afraid to go out in the winter?

You do not have much time?

Find out how you can address these issues at the following Health

Canada page: What if?

Use exercise to socialize with other people.

If you need more support or if you simply want to work out in a more serious environment, you can join a fitness club where classes or personal trainers are usually available for people of all fitness levels and all ages.

If you have a medical condition, you can enquire about special group programs in your community. Group exercise programs exist for a wide variety of conditions such as pregnancy or the post natal period, heart disease, arthritis, physical disabilities, elderly people, and many other situations. Click here for some suggestions.

I want to learn more

Recommended readings:

The Real Sexy, Smart and Strong; 30 Tips to Boost Confidence, Get Fit and Feel Great, Inside and Out, by David Patchell-Evans

This is a must-read for everyone. This very inspirational and practical little book could literally change your life. It will show you a very simple and easy to apply system and will teach you:

How to fight discouragement and get motivated, even if you haven’t exercised before

The ins and outs of stretching, weight training and cardio

Simple solutions for healthy eating and incorporating exercise into any lifestyle

Why exercise will improve everything from your sex life to your job performance

How to overcome emotional, psychological, and even physical obstacles

How and why exercise is crucial to the total well-being of your body, mind and spirit

How to incorporate physical movement into your life, you will become more fit and more energetic than 95% of the population—without causing any big inconveniences to your life and without having to spend hours at a gym!

Do you need some more ideas to help motivate you and get started? This excellent guide published by the Public Health Agency of Canada is full of easy to follow and fun advices:

Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living

Why is it important?

People do need a minimum of physical activity to be healthy. Physical activity may also help increase your longevity by reducing the risks of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, depression, osteoporosis, colon cancer, and premature death. (References)

What can I do?

You may have been undertaking physical activity already and simply want to pass to the next level and improve your level of fitness in a more structured way. Conversely, you may find that your busy schedule does not allow you to do any physical activity. You may think that you do not have the energy, or that it will hurt, or that it is too late to start at your age. You may think that it is simply too complicated and that you can’t provide the level of dedication that it requires. Or, you