Use of Physical Activity to Improve Appearance
Use of Physical Activity to Improve Appearance
How can a person make use of physical activity to improve appearance?
Not only does regular physical activity make you mussels more toned, it makes you look happy as well, since you have this natural “glow”, which just isn’t there if you don’t exercise and drink lots of water. Water alone, is not going to give you the glow that the exercise will.
When you do any physical activity with friends, it is even better. It is way more fun to do it with friends, rather than on your own. Of course, sometimes it is not possible to to do any physical activity with your friends. They may not be at the same fitness level as you, or the time may not be suitable for you. Don’t let that put you off from doing any physical activity. Go solo, if there is nobody who can do it with you. Just get moving, if you don’t do it already.
Not only should you use physical activity to improve appearance, there are many other benefits of regular physical activity as well. It is important to know how people may benefit from doing regular physical activities.
Benefits of regular physical activity
If you are regularly physically active, you may:
- reduce your risk of a heart attack
- manage your weight better
- have a lower blood cholesterol level
- lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers
- have lower blood pressure
- have stronger bones, muscles and joints and lower the risk of osteoporosis
- lower your risk of falls
- recover better from period of hospitalization or bed rest
- feel better – with more energy, a better mood, feel more relaxed and sleep better.
A number of studies have found that exercise helps depression. There are many views as to how exercise helps people with depression. Exercise may block negative thoughts or distract people from daily worries. Exercising with others provides an opportunity for increased social contact. Increased fitness may lift your mood and improve sleep patterns. Exercise may also change levels of chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin, endorphins and stress hormones.
Physical Activity Guidelines
The Australian Government’s Physical Activity Guidelines state that:
- Doing any physical activity is better than doing none. If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up to the recommended amount.
- Be active on most, preferably all, days every week.
- Accumulate 150 to 300 minutes (2 ½ to 5 hours) of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes (1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours) of vigorous intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both moderate and vigorous activities, each week.
- Do muscle strengthening activities on at least two days each week.
Ways to increase activity
Increases in daily activity can come from small changes made throughout your day, such as walking or cycling instead of using the car, getting off a tram, train or bus a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way, or walking the children to school.
See your doctor first
It is a good idea to see your doctor before starting your physical activity program if:
- you are aged over 45 years
- physical activity causes pain in your chest
- you often faint or have spells of severe dizziness
- moderate physical activity makes you very breathless
- you are at a higher risk of heart disease
- you think you might have heart disease or you have heart problems
- you are pregnant.
Pre-exercise screening is used to identify people with medical conditions that may put them at a higher risk of a experiencing a health problem during physical activity. It is a filter or ‘safety net’ to help decide if the potential benefits of exercise outweigh the risks for you. Usually, the benefits will far outweigh the risks. Print a copy of the adult pre-exercise screening tool and discuss it with your doctor, allied health or exercise professional.
Source: Better Health
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