1. Physical activity for health and well-being
Lecture 6

2. Where has physical activity gone?
Many of the daily tasks of living have become machine operated
Large-scale farming
Driving
Washing clothes
Not getting enough physical activity can cause many health problems

3. Benefits of physical activity
Reduces risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, colon cancer, etc.
Improves mood and mental health
Reduces stress naturally
Increases community and social time

4. Physiological benefits
“body”
Even moderate exercise is good for your health!
Just walking minutes a day is helpful
Studies have found several benefits:
Stronger heart muscle and bones
Increased blood flow to heart
Lower heart rate
Less fat in the blood
Decrease in weight and obesity
Healthy blood pressure
Improved sleep
Better healing from injuries and illnesses

5. Psychological benefits
“mind”
Regular physical activity is good for your mind and spirit, as well
Reduces anxiety and stress
Improves coping abilities
Alleviates and prevents depression
Improves self-esteem and confidence
“Runner’s high” feeling of euphoria
Can be achieved in any focused activity
Psychological benefits are likely caused by the secretion of hormones in response to the activity

6. Types of physical activity
Physical activity involves anything more than sitting or lying down!
Traditional sports and exercise, such as running, volleyball, and weightlifting
Walking for health
Yoga, T’ai Chi, Pilates, and martial arts
Gardening, climbing, cleaning