The Consequences of Inactivity and the Healing Powers of Exercise

Say ‘goodbye’ to the risks and ‘hello’ to the rewards when it comes to fitness— because not moving has its pitfalls and moving has its perks! Unanswered invitations to the physical activity party can potentially result in health issues such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, anxiety, depression and some kinds of cancer. Meanwhile, RSVP’ing ‘yes’ to this health-filled fiesta means you’re less likely to develop coronary heart disease and other ailments.

Numbers Never Lie (Assistant with Clipboard!)

The scary truth is that a sedentary lifestyle reels in many victims annually due to a lack of regular physical activity. As we get older, the tendency to lead an inactive lifestyle increases. If we’re doing a roll call, more women than men and Hispanic and African-American adults are less likely to get their physical activity badges. So, whether we like it or not, if we’re inactive, we’re playing roulette where our health is the stake.

Rewards of Being Active

If a sedentary lifestyle is the villain, physical activity is the superhero. It’s a story old as time (though not featured in your favourite comics) that regular exercise has a bounty load of benefits. Not only can you fend off regular party crashers like coronary heart disease, even while indulging in guilty pleasures like smoking, alcohol, and an ultra-greasy diet, but you can also improve in other areas.

There’s no age limit in this game. Older adults who keep pushing their physical boundaries cut down the likelihood of falls and generally improve their ability to handle daily activities. Similarly, people of size also stand to benefit greatly, knocking down their risk for disease by merely incorporating regular physical activity into their lives. The superhero cape fits everyone! We should all strut confident strides knowing that being active helps to prevent health problems orchestrated by…yup, you guessed it: being inactive.

Prescriptions from the CDC Gym

If you’re looking for motivation, consider the CDC your personal trainer. Their suggestion? Add a mix of weight-bearing activities like running and walking to the calendar. Aerobic activity including biking and swimming also get a thumbs up. More so, they recommend pulling out your strength for strength training exercises twice a week.

Special CDC Program for Adults with Chronic Conditions

But hey, don’t panic if you’re battling chronic conditions or disabilities. The CDC haven’t left you out. Their prescription is to spend at least 2.5 to 5 hours each week on moderate-intensity aerobic activity and indulge in muscle-strengthening activities two days a week. The secret ingredient? Consistency. Challenges towards increasing daily activity may seem like a tall order, but even a small, each-day increase, has healing powers.

Conclusion: Get moving!

The finish line is clear. Inactivity is a slow but resolute health risk. On the other hand, physical activity, like a loyal friend, is always there to help us out – reducing risks and improving quality of life. So, next time someone asks you to choose a side, remember: Team active always wins.

• Inactive lifestyles contribute to health problems including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes.
• Physical activity reduces health risks, regardless of factors such as diet, smoking, or alcohol consumption.
• People of larger body size and older adults can benefit immensely from regular physical activity.
• The CDC recommends a mix of weight-bearing activities, aerobic activities, and strength training for overall health.
• For adults with chronic health problems, even a small daily increase in physical activity can bring health benefits.

Source Citation: https://healthlibrary.metroplus.org/Search/85,P00218