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Lesson 1.2 Benefits of Physical Activity

Regular physical activity offers numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart attack, better weight management, and improved mental health. Adults are encouraged to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days, alongside muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week. It's advisable to consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially for individuals over 45 or those with existing health concerns.

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17 views2 pages

Lesson 1.2 Benefits of Physical Activity

Regular physical activity offers numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart attack, better weight management, and improved mental health. Adults are encouraged to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days, alongside muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week. It's advisable to consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially for individuals over 45 or those with existing health concerns.

Uploaded by

nathaliealzate.craft
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PhEd 12n Lesson 1.

2
Benefits of Physical Activity
Australian Government : Dept of Health and Aged Care

Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular activity can
improve your quality of life.
Benefits of Regular Physical Activity (18-64 years old)
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 risk of developing osteoporosis

• lower your risk of falls

• recover better from periods of hospitalization or bed rest

• feel better – with more energy, a better mood, feel more relaxed and sleep better.

A healthier state of mind


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 you from daily worries.

• Exercising with others provides an opportunity for increased social contact.

• Increased fitness may lift your mood and improve your sleep patterns.

• Exercise may also change levels of chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin, endorphins and stress hormones.

Aim for at least 30 minutes a day


To maintain health and reduce your risk of health problems, health professionals and researchers recommend a
minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days

Physical activity guidelines


Adults should be active most days, preferably every day. Each week, adults should do either:
• 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity – such as a brisk walk, golf, mowing the lawn or swimming
• 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous intensity physical activity – such as jogging, aerobics, fast cycling, soccer or netball
• an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous activities.
Include muscle-strengthening activities as part of your daily physical activity on at least 2 days each week. This can be:
• push-ups
• pull-ups
• squats or lunges
• lifting weights
• household tasks that involve lifting, carrying or digging.
Doing any physical activity is better than doing none. If you do no physical activity right now, start by doing some,
then slowly build up to the recommended amount.
Building activity into your day
Physical activity doesn’t have to be structured. Making some small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference. For
example, you could:
• walk or ride your bike for short trips instead of driving
• drive to a ‘park and ride’ spot, and walk or ride your bike the rest of the way
• use the stairs instead of the lift or escalator
• get off the bus one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way
• park further away from your destination and walk
• walk to the park to eat lunch.

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.

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