ENHANCE NEWSLETTER
June 2008
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Physical Activity
Alright, summer is finally here! This is the time where everyone likes to do more physical activities, but, what is physical activity? When most of us hear those words, we simply think of exercise and when most of us think of exercise, we tend to stare off into another direction. Physical activity can refer to any movement that contracts muscles and burns calories. This means that raking leaves, mowing the lawn, hand washing the dishes, washing the car, walking up the stairs, and dancing are some examples of physical activity. Exercise is one form of physical activity out of millions. So with that said, if we don’t like to exercise, we can do some form of physical activity that we like to do to stay fit.
Examples of Physical Activities:
1.Sports – Learning a new sport or continuing with a sport that you enjoy Great sports to get into that have recreational leagues are;a.Volleyballb.Kickballc.Dodge balld.Basketball e.Golfing (no cart)2.Outdoors – There are countless activities to do outsidea.Bike ridingb.Walking on the beachc.Hikingd.Canoeing/kayakinge.Walking your dog3.Indoora.Wallballb.Virtual Golfc.Bowling4.Choresa.Vacuumb.Lawn mowing (not riding)c.Gardeningd.Painting e.Dishwashing (not washer)f.Wash and wax the carg.Any mother could name a lot more….5.Social Events – laughing burns calories and relieves stressa.Comedy Clubs b.Walking and Shoppingc.Organized Funi.Gym Classii.Leadership outingsd.Gamesi.Charadesii.TwisterThese are just some physical activities we do, can do, or should do that can benefit our adaptation of a healthy lifestyle by burning calories, building strength and coordination, and relieving stress.
The not-so-wonderful facts about Americans:
•Physical activity benefits the body while a sedentary lifestyle does the opposite. According to a Harvard School of Public Health professor Grahm Colditz, “the direct medical cost of inactivity is at least $24 billion a year.”
Physical activity benefits the body while a sedentary lifestyle does the opposite. According to a Harvard School of Public Health professor Grahm Colditz, “the direct medical cost of inactivity is at least $24 billion a year.” (Colditz GA. Economic costs of obesity and inactivity. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999; 31:S663-7.)
•More than 50% of Americans do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits and more than 25% of Americans are not active at all during their leisure time.
More than 50% of Americans do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits and more than 25% of Americans are not active at all during their leisure time.(CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity U.S. Physical Activity Statistics
http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/PASurveillance/DemoComparev.asp)
•Over the last 20 years, the number of overweight children has increased by more than 50%, and the number of extremely overweight children has nearly doubled. (Children’s Research Foundation)
Over the last 20 years, the number of overweight children has increased by more than 50%, and the number of extremely overweight children has nearly doubled. (Children’s Research Foundation)•40 million American Children have abnormally high cholesterol levels. (Children’s Research Foundation)
40 million American Children have abnormally high cholesterol levels. (Children’s Research Foundation)•Cancer kills more children than any other disease. (Children’s Research Foundation)
Cancer kills more children than any other disease. (Children’s Research Foundation)•By the age of 12, an estimated 70% of our children have developed the beginning stages of hardening of the arteries. (Children’s Research Foundation)
By the age of 12, an estimated 70% of our children have developed the beginning stages of hardening of the arteries. (Children’s Research Foundation)Burn 15 to 400 calories by adapting physical activity in your lifestyle. (Calories are based on a 140 lb woman. If you weigh less you burn less, weigh more burn more.)
1.Sprinting up the stairs – 1 minute – 15 calories burned2.Chewing gum – 2 hours – 22 calories burned3.Laughing – 30 minutes – 50 calories burned4.Talking on the phone (standing) 30 minutes – 55 calories burned5.Folding laundry – 30 minutes – 65 calories burned6.Walking the dog – 30 minutes – 95 calories7.Playing the guitar – 1 hour – 130 calories burned 8.Washing the car – 1 hour - 290 calories burned9.Vacuuming – 1 hour – 225 calories burned 10.Planting flowers – 1 hour – 290 calories burned11.Shopping – 2 hours -295 calories burned 12.Golfing (walking) – 4 hours – 325 calories burned13.Pilates Class – 1 hour – 160 calories burned14.Yoga Class – 1 hour – 160 calories burned15.Weight Lifting – 1 hour – 385 calories burned16.Power Walking – 1 hour – 320 calories burned Objectives in considering adapting physical activity into your lifestyle
•Schedule 45-60 minutes of daily physical activity •Give a variety of physical activities to create and maintain enthusiasm and interest•Set realistic goals so they are challenging, but still achievable•Include all types of physical activity such as muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and motor development•Show that physical fitness activities can also be social activities•Teach the importance of physical activity and health•Create a fun and energetic atmosphere •Provide an environment that will develop the knowledge and abilities to pursue in a healthy lifestyle•Promote self-discipline and encourage a positive self-image while developing an active health style•Demonstrate successTo unsubscribe from this newsletter, click here.
Enhance Personal Training and Athletic Performance, Inc. © 2008
