Why fitness...?
Physical activity or exercise can improve
your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2
diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise can
have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular
activity can improve your quality of life. A minimum of 30 minutes a day can
allow you to enjoy these benefits.
Benefits
If you are regularly physically active, you may:
- reduce your risk of a heart attack
- manage your weight better
- have a lower blood cholesterol level
- lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers
- have lower blood pressure
- have stronger bones, muscles and joints and lower risk of developing osteoporosis
- lower your risk of falls
- recover better from periods of hospitalisation or bed rest.
- feel better – with more energy, a better mood, feel more relaxed and sleep better.
Activity guidelines
- Doing any physical activity is better than doing none. If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up to the recommended amount.
- Be active on most, preferably all, days every week.
- Accumulate 150 to 300 minutes (2 ½ to 5 hours) of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes (1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours) of vigorous intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both moderate and vigorous activities, each week.
- Do muscle strengthening activities on at least two days each week.