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- What’s the difference between sport and physical activity?
- How many hours of exercise do you need every week according to the WHO?
- What are the health benefits of physical activity?
- The effects of physical activity on our health
- The impact of movement on mental health
- The importance of moving everyday
- Mind-body synergy: The positive effects of movement on mental and physical health
You will surely have heard from various health campaigns that daily physical activity is essential for keeping fit. Today, we know that daily movement not only improves our physical shape, but it additionally improves our mental health – as the saying goes, “a healthy mind in a healthy body”.
What’s the difference between sport and physical activity?
Physical activity refers to any bodily movement that results in an apparent increase in caloric expenditure. It covers a much broader field than sport. As such, physical activity encompasses everyday activities (shopping, gardening, housework, etc.), leisure activities and sporting activities.
How many hours of exercise do you need every week according to the WHO?
For children and adolescents
- 1 hour of moderate-intensity physical activity per day. Physical activity should be endurance-based. For sustained-intensity activities, introduce an activity that promotes muscle and bone strengthening .
For adults (aged 18 to 64)
- 2h30 of moderate-intensity endurance activity
- 1h15 of sustained-intensity endurance activity
- or an equivalent combination of moderate and sustained intensity activity
For seniors (65 and over)
- 2h30 of moderate-intensity physical activity
- 1h30 of high-intensity physical activity
What are the health benefits of physical activity?
Physical activity has many benefits for the body, just to name a few:
- Protects against cardiovascular disease
- Reduces the risk of diabetes
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Improves sleep quality
- Strengthens the immune system
- Promotes muscle and bone health
Physical activity, whether linked to sport or our everyday activities, plays a fundamental role in our general well-being. It helps us maintain a healthy weight, boosts our immune system, improves our mental health and reduces the risk of many chronic diseases. Physical activity is much more than a routine or a pastime; it’s a lifestyle that promotes health, happiness and longevity.
The effects of physical activity on our health
Regular exercise is one of the best things we can do for our health. It strengthens the heart and lungs, reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, helps maintain a healthy weight and can even extend lifespan. What’s more, it promotes muscle and bone health, contributing to mobility and stability, which is particularly important as we age.
The impact of movement on mental health
Physical activity has a significant impact on our mental health. Regular exercise can help alleviate anxiety and depression, improve mood and self-esteem, and boost energy levels. What’s more, exercise can improve sleep quality, which is essential for the regeneration of body and mind.
The importance of moving everyday
WHO recommendations clearly indicate the importance of daily physical activity for all age groups. The aim is not necessarily to do intensive sport, but rather to incorporate movement into our daily lives, whether it’s walking, gardening, climbing the stairs or doing yoga. Every movement counts!
It’s by understanding the importance and impact of physical activity on our well-being that we can begin to make choices that promote an active lifestyle. Whether it’s through sport, exercise or simply being more active on a daily basis, every little step counts.
Mind-body synergy: The positive effects of movement on mental and physical health
You’ve all heard the famous quote “Mens sana in corpore sano”, which means “A healthy mind in a healthy body”.
Incorporating physical activity into your daily life is much more than just a way of improving your physical health. It’s a commitment to a healthier, happier and more balanced life. It’s also a way of boosting your self-esteem, morale and general state of mind.
In this section, you’ll find resources and advice to help you integrate physical activity into your daily life, according to your preferences and abilities.
See also our pages on the benefits of sport and physical activity:
