Benefits of exercise
We all know exercise is an important part of our life and health. However, busy lives mean there is less focus on ourselves; exercise and nutrition take a ‘back seat’. Many of us sit at desks at work and often work through our lunch hour or eat our lunches at our desk. Rushing home we cook dinner, organise the kids, and then collapse in a chair to watch TV before bed. This does not set the scene for a natural healthy lifestyle. The benefits of finding 30 minutes a day to exercise include:
- Decreased heart disease and stroke1
- improved blood pressure and cholesterol1
- Decreased Type II diabetes1
- Improved sleep1
- Lowered stress and anxiety levels1
- Reduced feelings of depression1
- Decreased incidence of prostate and breast cancer 1
But how do we increase the amount of exercise we do?
We have heard the many suggestions such as:
- Parking the car at the opposite end of the shopping centre to where you want to shop
- Walk/cycle to work/bus/railway station – get off a stop or two before your workplace and walk the rest of the way2
- Take a walk during your lunch hour or after work2
- Take the family on a hike on the weekend – ideal trails may be found on the internet3: Go to Best walking and hiking trails in Perth for ideas
Exercise challenges
The internet has been the source of exercise challenges such as:
Phone Apps
There are also apps for your phone that incorporate fitness challenges or tracking such as S Health4 MapMyRun5 or MyFitnessPal6.
These challenges create a sense of community through social media and provide motivation to stay on task and perhaps at the end of the month to continue with the momentum with ongoing exercise and lifestyle changes7.
Fitness within the workplace
Another popular motivational and team-building tool is to introduce a fitness challenge within the workplace. Research has shown that employees who are more physically active are more productive, require less sick leave, have lower health care costs and may attract and retain high-quality staff8.
Strategies for increasing exercise in the workplace and fostering a community spirit in a happier and healthier workplace are well documented on the internet e.g.:
How I can help?
At La Pachamama Davina emphasises a holistic, natural approach to health; incorporating diet, lifestyle, mental and spiritual health and wellness. Please feel free to contact Davina on 0416 016 388, to discuss your health needs
References
- Be Active Australia. Find 30 Minutes for Exercise. 2016. Available at: http://www.beactive.com.au/find-30-minutes-for-exercise/. Accessed January 10, 2017.
- Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. “Ditch the lift” and other tips for an active workplace. Achiev Progr Blog. 2015. Available at: http://www.achievementprogram.health.vic.gov.au/blog/ditch-the-lift-and-other-tips-for-an-active-workplace. Accessed January 10, 2017.
- Smith K. The Weekend Workout: Fun, Heart-Healthy Exercises. MeMD Blog. 2012. Available at: https://www.memd.me/fun-heart-healthy-exercises/. Accessed January 10, 2017.
- Samsung. Start a Health Challenge. S Heal. 2015. Available at: http://shealth.samsung.com/. Accessed January 10, 2017.
- Under Armour. Challenge Yourself. 2017. Available at: http://www.mapmyrun.com/challenges/. Accessed January 10, 2017.
- Under Armour. My Fitness Pal Blog. 2016. Available at: http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/. Accessed January 10, 2017.
- Pountney M. 30-day fitness challenges put to the test. Sun Her. 2014. Available at: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/30day-fitness-challenges-put-to-the-test/news-story/d7f11f9eed9867160ceb11c90b240f43. Accessed January 10, 2017.
- Tzarimas, C., Hobson-Powell, A., Johnson, R., Shaw, J., Askew, C., Davies, S. & Leemhuis C. Physical Activity in the Workplace: a Guide. Exerc Sport Sci Aust. 2012:45. Available at: http://exerciseismedicine.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/EIM_Workplace_PA_Guide.pdf. Accessed January 10, 2017.
Leave a Reply