The
risks of not taking exercise
Introduction
Whatever your age physical activity plays an important
part in your health and well-being.
Some people think it is only sportsmen and women who
need to build physical activity into their lives.
However everyone needs to keep their bodies working
well in order to be healthy.
Physical activity is necessary to stimulate the body's
own natural maintenance and repair system.
Your bones, joints and muscles - especially your heart
- will actually stay younger if you keep them busy.
If you are not physically active you increase your
health risks in many ways.
Risks to you
Coronary Heart Disease, strokes, high blood pressure,
breathlessness, flabby body, little energy, stiff
joints, osteoporosis, poor posture, overweight.
Risks
to your family
Lack of energy for your sexual relationship; lack
of energy for your children and grandchildren; a poor
role model.
Advice
The three main components of being physically fit
are stamina, strength and suppleness.
Stamina:
You need a well-developed circulation to the heart
and lungs to give you the ability to keep going without
gasping for breath.
With stamina you have a slower more powerful heartbeat
and will be able to cope more easily with prolonged
or heavy exercise.
Strength:
You need well toned muscles to give you the ability
to do physical work.
When your shoulder, trunk and thigh muscles are toned-up
they will work well and you will not experience strains
and injuries as often.
Suppleness:
Developing good mobility in your neck, spine and joints
will prevent you spraining ligaments and pulling muscles
and tendons.
You will also be less likely to experience aches and
pains from stiff joints.
