EXERCISE & LIFESTYLE CHANGE - STARTING UP & PRESSING ON

The massive health benefits of exercise and increased physical activity will be outlined in this handout. Terms such as exercise and physical activity are used interchangeably. Do you know that physical inactivity, because it is so bad for your health, is considered by many to be a separate disease!!

1. THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXERCISE

• There are enormous health benefits which help us many ways:
   
  • Physical – reduction in obesity, heart disease (blood fats, blood pressure), diabetes, bowel cancer, asthma, joint disorders, improved bone strength, recovery from surgery, etc.
     
  • Psychological / mental health – reduction in depression, anxiety, improved sense of well-being.
     
  • Community benefits – improved community activities, influencing others, reduced public health costs
     
• Performed correctly, introducing exercise and physical activity which suit your personal needs may be life-changing.
   
• The changes in your lives may inspire others (e.g. family, friends).

2. GETTING STARTED

• What are your needs?
  • This may include - weight loss, improving heart function, being less short of breath, feeling stronger, being better at your sport, looking good for the summer!!
     
• Start thinking differently.
  • Lifestyle change – walking more, using stairs, don’t take the closest car space, don’t use the TV remote at home, etc.
     
• Be checked out if you're not sure.
  • untrained over 40;
  • untrained and overweight;
  • health or injury concerns;
  • not confident.
     
• What happens when you exercise?
  • Your body’s response to moderate intensity exercise normally includes: faster heart rate, faster breathing, feeling warmer, slight swelling of the hands and feet, mild to moderate perspiration, mild muscular aches for a day or two afterwards if you are not used to the physical activity.

The following information is for those who require more detail and may have already commenced a regime.

• How often? How hard?
   
  • To enjoy a health benefit - 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week (for those with stable medical conditions).
     
  • Exercise intensity refers to how hard your body is working during physical activity. For maximum health benefits, the goal is to work hard but not too hard. There are a variety of ways to measure your exercise intensity to make sure your body is getting the most out of every workout.
     
  • How hard should you exercise - the intensity - walking as an example...
    

% HR Max refers to the percentage of one's maximal heart rate.

Some common target heart rate ranges for each age group (moderate)...

• When should you stop?
   
  • Warning Signs: If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop exercising and seek medical help...
     
    • extreme breathlessness or breathing problems such as wheezing or coughing which persist;
    • chest pain or pressure;
    • extreme perspiration;
    • dizziness, fainting;
    • severe muscle or joint pain or cramps;
    • nausea;
    • or, extreme and long-lasting fatigue after exercising.

3. BARRIERS TO EXERCISE & PRESSING ON