Physical Activity is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. It is very important for your wellbeing and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

​What is physical activity?

Physical activity simply means movement of the body produced by muscles that uses energy, including walking, working, playing with your kids, travelling, biking, gardening, taking stairs…

Did you know that active people generally live longer and are at less risk for serious health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. Yet today 1 in 4 adults globally is not active enough, and this insufficient physical activity remains one of the leading risk factors for death worldwide with 20% to 30% increased risk of death compared to people who are sufficiently active.

What does exercise help you with?

There are many many reasons to exercise, start counting… With regular and adequate levels of physical activity, you may:

• Feel better with more energy, a better mood and sleep better. 

• Reduce your risk of a heart attack, type 2 diabetes and some cancers

• Control your weight better

• Have a lower blood cholesterol level and blood pressure 

• Have stronger bones, muscles and joints, lower risk of developing osteoporosis

• Feel improved balance and lower your risk of falls 

• Experience a healthier state of mind, less stress, and negative thoughts

How to overcome the challenges?

Experts say the key to adopting physical activity habits is to have fun. Get off the couch and enjoy getting fit by following these few simple steps.

• Every effort counts- Minimise sitting, go for extra walks, take stairs…

• Choose- what kinds of exercise you enjoy (outdoors, indoors, team sports…)

• Find an exercise buddy- it’s a way to catch up and a great motivation

• Start small- with 10 min per day and increase your activity time and intensity gradually.

• Mix it up- aiming to challenge different muscles.

• Challenge yourself- by setting a weekly realistic goal

• Keep a journal- mark the days you exercise, make it a habit and reward yourself

Where to start?

You don’t need to be a professional basketball player nor a high-performance athlete to start exercising today. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week at the beginning. It is extremely important to start slowly and increase the intensity slowly, while listening to your body.

Now tell us where will you start your walk today, what time and with who?