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Z is for zip
As in put some zip in your life. Ok we are at the end of the alphabet and deciding the topic for the week was a bit of a challenge. Still, being physically active not only expends energy, but also increases your capacity for other activities… the zip in your life.
As we age often find that we can’t do what we used to do. In noting this, we often erroneously attribute our failing capacity to age itself. Don’t be so easily fooled. Aging does have an effect on physical capacity (your zip), but not nearly as much as inactivity.
Recreational sport provides some great examples of the anti-aging effects that vigorous physical activity can have. So-called ‘Masters’ competitions engage people across the lifespan in their chosen sport or sports. There are frequent stories about the athletes who, well into middle age (a term I use very carefully) are achieving lifetime best performances, often outperforming what they did in their younger years.
Can’t keep up with the kids, or the grandkids? Finding routine tasks more and more demanding as you age? Getting too old to be active? Don’t believe it for a minute. The body – your body – will respond to activity the same way an Olympians does. A gradual increase in your levels of activity will lead to increased capacity, capacity that will put the zip back in your step.
Although the health protective benefits of physical activity cannot be overstressed, the most important short-term benefit to you and the ones around you from adopting a physically active lifestyle will be the increased ability to live your life to the fullest. The method is simple really, be active everyday in as many ways as you can.
Written by Professor Kerry Mummery
College of Health and Human Services
CQUniversity
