The first time one of my teachers showed me this ad, I laughed and thought...wow, imagine if people were really that inactive. Sadly, so many people these days are!... maybe not to the point where they can't walk up a broken escalator. So how did this all happen? Why do so many people fail to engage in physical activity? Well if you think about it, how much physical activity is necessary for our typical lifestyles? These modern times don't require much labor or strenuous tasks. With technology, cars, and all of the other advanced resources we have, why would we go hunt for our food or walk miles and miles to get somewhere? Times are different...and our body compositions are proof.
Physical Activity is "any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that result in energy expenditure." This is definitely easy to incorporate in your daily life considering walking around is physical activity. (Only 20% of Americans get enough health benefits from their leisure activity). The main focus needs to be on FITNESS. This is based on the intensity of the acitvity.
"...A person needs to participate in activities intense enough to cause the body to adapt to the increased physical demands and become more efficient. The higher the intensity, the more fit you will become. All physical activity provides some health benefits, but with increased intensity, benefits also increase" (Steven C. Aldana). Couldn't of said it better myself!
As of now, researchers have determined the best recommendations:
accumulate 30 min. or more of moderate-intensity activity on most, preferably all days of the week.
If you're wanting to really reduce your risks of diseases and health problems, "cranking it up a notch" is essential.
My recommendations for high intensity physical activity:
- Circuit training (I always make sure I have a jump rope!)
- Interval training (eliptical, bike, treadmill, or even if you're out on a run)
- Classes at the gym like Turbokick are great!
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