Introduction to
Exercise & Physical Activity
Take a minute to understand the physical structure of the body
Social behaviors (or lack thereof) also have health costs associated with them. Smoking, costs an additional $170 billion in direct medical costs (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2014). Sedentary lifestyles costs Americans $117 billion annually (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2015). "In 2010, excessive alcohol use cost the US economy $249 billion, or $2.05 a drink, and $2 of every $5 of these costs were paid by the public. Binge drinking is responsible for over half the deaths and three-quarters of the costs due to excessive alcohol use.”
To avoid chronic illness and disease, humans should seek to participate in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Physical activity comes in many different forms, just make sure that you are always going at a pace you are comfortable with. Many health benefits are achieved through weight training and cardio. To accomplish optimal health, both weight training and cardio should be done, neither should be ignored.
Take a few minutes to understand the impact exercise has on your body through the respiratory and circulatory systems
Physical activity heavily depends on four systems: (1) skeletal, (2) muscular, (3) circulatory, and (4) respiratory. Just as mostly everything else, physical activity is impacted and impacts every system of the human body.
Purpose of Physical Activity
The benefits of physical activity are numerous. Physical activity: strengthens immune function and prevents illness and disease; increases balance, flexibility, and strength; creates, maintains, and enhances the body's ability to perform the activities of daily living; supports the body's ability to rid itself of toxins; and more. The benefits of physical activity cannot be overstated.
Personalized Physical Activity
No matter where you are in your health and wellness journey, physical activity is a requirement if you want to live. Moreover, because of the uniqueness of our bodies and the degrees to which the function, people respond to physical activity differently. For this reason, in order to avoid risk of injury and/or even death, individuals need to be careful to go their own pace. Our physical activity approach has program participants go through stages of physical activity starting with simply performing daily functions like sitting, pushing, pulling, twisting, and lifting hands over the head, ending with performance-enhancement techniques for those looking to experience their bodies do things they never believed it was capable of doing.
Inside Culture
The busy, capitalistic lifestyle of many Americans results in being inside and not prioritizing physical health. It is for this reason many Americans suffer nutrient deficiencies, such as Vitamin D. Being a service-driven economy, many find themselves without the time or means of dedicating significant time to their well-being. Additionally, the cost of housing and other necessary resources make affording healthier options impossible for many Americans.
Access to Safe, Green Space
Increased urbanization and decreased access to green and safe space results in less incorporation of physical activity in the daily habits of many Americans. Traveling back-and-forth to the car and/or public transit is more exercise than many Americans get on a daily basis. Moreover, many urban communities are not safe for alternative travel like biking, walking, and/or running. Again, without access to safe space, there is no reason to prioritize exercise. What good is a healthy body that will only be shot or run over by a car?