Cathal BarryUnfortunately, not enough of us are sufficiently physically active in our everyday lives. Figures released earlier this year reveal that more than one-quarter of Irish adults are not physically active and do not participate in any kind of exercise as they don’t have the time.
The survey by the Central Statistics Office considered the physical regimens of thousands of Irish adults in the second quarter of 2013.
While 72% of adults claim to be physically active by participating in team sports, visiting gyms and walking, 27.5% have admitted they don’t do any physical activity. Some 35% blamed a lack of time as the main reason for their inactivity, while almost one-fifth admitted that a lack of motivation prevented them from being physically active.
With 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week, there is no reason we can’t all find some time to do some form of exercise each day.
However, given how lives have changed and work demands have increased in recent years, people can’t always be blamed for feeling they lack the time or the motivation to exercise. While the figures do seem suggest that exercise rates are increasing somewhat, people are moving less overall, which has an enormously negative impact on metabolism.
Fewer calories get burned daily, blood sugar and insulin health are compromised and muscle building and tissue repair is reduced.
It goes without saying that being sedentary most of the day isn’t going to do your physique any favours.
Staying in shape
Becoming more active throughout the day, however, will dramatically increase the quality of your life. Staying in shape reduces your risks for health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea and even depression.
As you age too, it’s important to protect your bones, joints and muscles. Not only do they support your body and help you move, but keeping bones, joints and muscles healthy can help ensure that you’re able to do your daily activities and be physically active. Research shows that doing aerobic, muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening physical activity of at least a moderately-intense level can slow the loss of bone density that comes with age.
No matter your age or fitness level, there are endless enjoyable ways to use physical activity to help you feel better, look better and enjoy life more.
If you are one of the quarter of Irish adults who are not physically active and considering remedying that, take your first steps to fitness slowly. Jumping in at the deep end, so to speak, is unsustainable in many cases.
If you have never had any experience with exercise and are at a loss with where to begin, don’t just give up! Walking, jogging, swimming or cycling – whatever it may be, get out and give it a go. You will soon discover what works for you!