What is physical activity?

Physical activity covers all forms of movement that increase energy consumption. Physical activity thus includes a wide range of activities ranging from sports, sports and exercise (ie structured physical activity) to everyday activities such as gardening, cycling as transport, taking the stairs or walking the dog (ie unstructured physical activity) with lifeguard certification near me.



Why is physical activity healthy?

Physical activity can prevent the development of lifestyle diseases, ie. diseases that can occur as a result of one's way of life. Lifestyle diseases are e.g. type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Physically active people also have a significantly lower risk of dying prematurely compared to people who are physically inactive.

Physical activity can simultaneously reduce symptoms and / or be included in the treatment of many serious diseases. Finally, physical activity contributes to good mental health, including enhanced self-confidence and zest for life, better social well-being and more energy.

Especially for children, physical activity can contribute to their motor development. In addition, physical activity in addition to the health significance can also contribute to bodily experiences, general education and social communities with American lifeguard association.

Especially for the elderly, physical activity can help maintain a high level of functioning, ie. the ability to manage oneself in everyday life. And it's never too late to get started on being physically active.

It is important to emphasize that the more physically active you are, the less your risk of developing a life-threatening illness or dying prematurely. At the same time, the biggest reduction in risk is seen when you go from being physically inactive to being just a little physically active. So little is better than nothing, and even small changes in physical activity can make a big positive difference.

Physical activity as prevention

As mentioned, physical activity can prevent the development of a number of lifestyle diseases.

Cardiovascular disease

When you are regularly physically active, you reduce your risk of getting cardiovascular disease. This is partly because physical activity trains the heart muscles so that your heart becomes stronger. You also get a lower blood pressure and a lower heart rate both at rest and during activity. In addition, regular physical activity affects the blood's fat content in a positive direction by improving cholesterol levels and lowering the triglyceride content. This protects against  atherosclerosis and reduces your risk of blood clots in i.a. the brain and the heart.

Type 2 diabetes

When you are regularly physically active, you reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes . This is because physical activity increases your body's sensitivity to insulin. Insulin is the hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar from the blood and into the body's cells (including the muscles). This means that insulin works better if your muscles are used to being trained regularly. Thus, the concentration of sugar in the blood decreases, leading to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Diseases of muscles and joints

When you are regularly physically active, you strengthen your muscles, bones and joints. Physical activity prevents loss of muscle mass, and maintains muscle strength. It improves your ability to function, ie. your ability to manage yourself in everyday life and avoid being dependent on the help of others. This is especially important for older people. Good muscle strength, combined with balance and movement training, prevents falls and thus the risk of bone fractures. In addition, good muscle strength can prevent overuse injuries at work or in your free time. In childhood, it is important to be regularly physically active and especially perform weight-bearing activities as it strengthens the bones and prevents the development of  osteoporosis later in life.

Cancer

When you are regularly physically active, you reduce your risk of getting colon cancer, breast cancer and uterine cancer. The exact relationship between physical activity and cancer is not known. There are indications that it is related to hormones and growth factors in the body.

Overweight

When you are regularly physically active, you have a higher energy consumption and a better appetite regulation. It makes it easier to maintain your normal body weight and prevents the development of overweight.