To put it simply – today most people don’t move enough. Over 50% of Australians are either overweight or obese – and that number is rising. Being physically inactive doubles the risk of; being obese, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, some forms of cancers (breast and bowel) and depression.
The National Physical Activity Survey conducted back in 2000; found that over 54% of people were not getting enough physical activity to remain healthy. I believe that is safe to assume that these numbers would have risen in the last 9 or so years.
The solution to this problem is so easy – get up and move. 30 minutes – which is just over 2% – of physical activity every single day is not too much to ask; in my opinion. It doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise, you don’t have to join a gym or go running – it is really as simple as going for a walk. You could even split the 30 minutes into smaller blocks if you were extremely time poor – and maybe learn some time management skills – your health is too important.
This cartoon I think sums it up pretty well.
Here are a few suggestions on easy ways to integrate 30 minutes of activity into your day:
1. Walk to shops
2. Walk to the train station / bus stop
3. Ride a bike to work
4. Take your kids down to the park and kick the footy
5. Have sex
Obesity and health risks aside – physical activity / moving / exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good. I think we could all benefit from that. There is no time like the present – to start looking after yourself.
- Anthony