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Vigorous Physical Activity is Good For All
The National Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults recommends, as part of its four steps to a healthy lifestyle, that we do some vigorous physical activity from time to time for extra health and fitness benefits.
So what exactly does vigorous physical activity entail...
So what is vigorous physical activity?
When we think of ‘vigorous’, perhaps we think of competitive sports like football or tennis where players are huffing and puffing non-stop for one or two hours. While competitive sport can be vigorous, there’s nothing to say that you couldn’t get the same workout intensity doing other things.
The main idea is to huff and puff. Anything that makes you work extra hard can be considered ‘vigorous’. For some people this may mean walking up a flight of stairs, while for others it might take an hour of bush walking to elicit the same effect.
Have you ever thought about how much energy you spend when playing with your grand kids or your pet? Take them out to the park and run around with them next time!
So why is it good for us, even though it’s strenuous?
By all means, it’s important to check with your exercise physiologist before you start vigorous activity just so you have no contraindications for starting it. Think of it as waking up your body once in a while so it keeps motoring along. A bit like a lazy fellow dozing off at work who gets a tap on the shoulder from his boss.
If you are confident and comfortable to start vigorous activity, then you are most likely doing other forms of light to moderate physical activity. By incorporating these occasional 'jolts' of vigorous activity into your life your health will improve as your body adapts to your activity routine and you become fitter and fitter. You may find you need to push yourself a little bit and keep the momentum going. If anything, a bit of extra moving around would keep you warm for the coming months!
Article written by Kevin Su
Diabetes Australia Queensland
www.daq.org.au
July 2007
