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Physical Activity
Research has shown that we all need to exercise on a regular basis. Most sources of advice state that we should try to do at least 30 minutes of moderately intensive physical activity for a minimum of 5 days a week.
Exercise burns off excess calories, and builds up energy and fitness levels and combined with a healthy diet makes us feel good about ourselves.
The other benefits of physical activity include reducing stress, reducing the risk of certain diseases, such as cancer and heart disease and when exercise is taken while we are young it will help to ensure that we keep active, independent and mobile, as we get older.
Physical exercise can include a wide variety of activities. It does not have to be boring neither does it mean you have to join a gym or health club. Just walking or cycling rather taking a bus or the car when you go to visit a friend or to the shops, climbing stairs instead of taking a lift, when included in your daily activities will add towards your level of fitness.
If you want to find out about more organised activities contact your local leisure centre where there could be activities such as swimming, aerobics, kick boxing, weightlifting and yoga. One other benefit of joining a group or club is that it will give you the opportunity to make new friends. Also the fun activities such as dancing, playing football and even ten pin bowling are all activities that will help to keep you fit rather than sitting in front of the television or your computer screen.
For more information about physical activity and sport, check out the Things To Do section of CLIC.
