There is never a bad time to start exercising. To start moving, to start being more conscious of your health. As the saying goes; The best time to start was 20 years ago, but the 2nd best time – Is today!
We all need physical activity in our lifestyles to remain healthy, for many of us finding the time in the day can be a challenge! Getting your daily dose of physical activity doesn’t need to be a chore, for most of us all we need is 30 minutes!
When we are kids staying active comes naturally, but as we get older we need that little bit more motivation.
How much physical activity should you be getting?
Here is the Australia Department of Health’s suggested amount of time you should be active each day:
- Children aged 0-5 years – 3 hours of physical activity or high energy play
- Youth aged 5-17 years – 60 minutes of exercise
- Adults aged 18-64 years – 30 minutes of exercise and build this up slowly if you can
- Older Adults 65+ – 30 minutes a day is perfect!
If you are just starting out, no matter what age, start slow and small. 10 minutes a day is better than nothing! Add to this as you build your fitness and confidence in getting active.
What are the benefits of physical activity?
For young children, the benefit of physical activity and high energy play supports development and growth
For all of us, it brings social, emotional and health benefits!
- Opportunity to socialise
- Develop and maintain coordination and teamwork
- Improve your confidence and self-esteem
- Improve your concentration
- Build strong muscles and bones
- Improve your fitness
- Helps to manage a healthy weight
- Reduces the risk of health problems
- Helps to prevent and manage mental health problems
- Gives you energy!
- Helps to relax and improves your quality of sleep
Best of all…IT’S FUN!
Remember!
By including incidental exercise into our lifestyles we are getting our daily exercise by doing our everyday things – take the stairs rather than the lift, walk the kids to school or bike ride into work.
We have a library of exercise routines suitable for all ages so whether you want to get stronger, improve your balance and coordination, or trim up – there are workouts for you!
*reference: Australian Department of Health
https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines
https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/phy-activity
