Physical Health

Do you remember the last time you went out for a walk, had a jog around the park, walked your dog out, had a sunset soccer at the ground on a Sunday ? It's hard to remember because somewhere all of us have lost a track of time and days pass by sitting and strolling around the house while we all are safe in our home and the Covid-19 situation has worsened. But what we don't realize that though this all is new to all of us and everything has been affected in some way the physical inactivity has become serious but an ignored topic among us.

The lockdown has had serious implications on our mental health, physical health and many other aspects of individuals. Our daily fitness routines have changed even come to a halt because of the gyms being closed , basic movement has considerably been reduced. Many regular aspects of life have been disrupted including sports and physical activity.

Remember : Some physical activity is better than none.

During the pandemic being physically active is a challenge for everyone. Sitting all the day around the house can make the situation even worse. It may worsen the health of patients with chronic illnesses. Which is preferably the population that contracts the disease and is more prone to the adverse after-effects of the disease. Physical inactivity leading to low immunity is an invitation to the disease. People who are consistently inactive are 2.63 times more likely to be admitted in hospital .

We need to remember that some physical activity is better than none. Though our movement around the towns and streets is restricted. Still we can move and sit less in our houses as well. Listing some of the benefits of physical activity.

Regular physical activity is beneficial in many ways as it reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases- ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, depression. Additionally, it also prevents, overweight and obesity, and can improve mental health, musculoskeletal problems (osteoarthritis, osteoporosis), and balance and coordination in elderly population. Yet much of the population is becoming less active.

Benefits of regular and sufficient levels of physical activity:

• reduces the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, various types of cancer (including breast cancer and colon cancer);

• improves cardiorespiratory fitness;

• strengthens bones and joints hence slows the progress of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and reduces the chances of fracture as age advances;

• helps keep thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as age advances. It can also reduce risk of depression and may help for better sleep;

• improves functional ability to do everyday activities;

• improves body balance and muscular coordination thereby reducing risk of falling;

• helps in maintaining weight control and a healthier body mass.

Let's have a look at some common myths that keep people from being physically active!

And have a look at why you should not ignore the above mentioned benefits especially when it's all in your hands :)

Physical activity is expensive, special clothes, shoes, equipment!!

Physical activity can be done almost anywhere. Walking is highly recommended physical activity and it is absolutely free. Urban parks, or other pedestrian areas can be used for walking, running or playing.

Physical activity takes time. I'm busy!!

No. Physical activities can be incorporated into your daily routine such as at work, school, home or play. Even if you are very busy, you can still fit 30 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine in the form of 10 minutes’ brisk walk, three times a day; or 20 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes later that day to improve your health.

Children are already so active, hence there's no need to teach them about physical activity.

Children also need recommended physical activity in their daily routine. There is decline in physical activity among children these days. It may be due to increasing sedentary ways of life, spending more time on watching television, playing computer games, using computers, and fewer children walk or cycle to school, and insufficient physical education and other school-based

physical activities.

“Let’s be active everyone, everywhere, every day”

Let's us know how you've been keeping yourself fit and active. Let's share our experience and motivate others towards getting their fitness journey started!