Why Physical Activity is Important
Physical activity is generally safe for everyone. People who are physically fit have less chance of injury than those who are not fit. Physical activity benefits outweigh the chances of getting hurt. Being inactive is definitely not good for your health.
If you are pre-diabetic or have a family history of diabetes, you will want to ensure that you include physical activity in your routine, and it’s never too early to begin.
Frequency of Activity
Physical activity experts say that spreading aerobic activity out over at least 3 days a week is best. Also, do each activity for at least 10 minutes at a time. There are many ways to fit in 2 hours and 30 minutes a week. For example, you can do 30 minutes of aerobic activity each day, for 5 days.
On the other two days, do activities to keep your muscles strong. Find ways that work well for you.
Precautions
As you age, care should be taken to avoid injury. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- If you haven’t been physically active in a while, start slowly and build up.
- Learn about the types and amounts of activity that are right for you.
- Choose activities that are appropriate for your fitness level.
- Build up the time you spend before switching to activities that take more effort.
- Use the right safety gear and sports equipment.
- Choose a safe place to do your activity.
- See a health care provider if you have a health problem.
The value of engaging in physical activity is that it benefits your overall health, and especially if you are pre-disposed to diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. In addition, physical activity benefits your mental health and overall well-being.