Physical Activity
Why should I exercise?
- Promotes healthy growth & development
- Builds strong bones & muscles
- Improves balance and develops skills
- Maintains and develops flexibility
- Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Improves cardiovascular fitness
- Helps relaxation
- Improves posture
- Provides opportunities to make friends
- Improves self esteem
- People who are physically active reduce their risk of developing major chronic diseases – such as CHD, stroke and type 2 diabetes by up to 50% and the risk of premature death by about 20-30%. more information
- The World Health Organisation reports that physical inactivity is one of the 10 leading causes of death in developed countries, producing 19 million deaths worldwide per year.
How much exercise should I be doing?
For general health, a total of 30 minutes a day of at least moderate intensity of physical activity on 5 or more days of the week reduces the risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease and some cancers, significantly reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and improves psychological well-being.
However, for many adults, 45-60 minutes of moderate intensity activity a day will be needed to prevent obesity.
For children and young people a total of at least 60 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity each day is needed and at least twice a week should include activities that produce high physical stresses on the bones, muscle strength and flexibility.