Every day, we become more and more sedentary: work, commuting, technology, and a lack of time have us glued to our seats. Today we’re sharing some strong motivators for regular physical activity.

Did you know that a lack of physical activity is the fourth leading cause of death in the world? About 6% of deaths are the result of a sedentary lifestyle, which is also the cause of approximately 21-25% of colon and breast cancers, 27% of all cases of diabetes, and 30% of all coronary heart disease.

If you’re one of those who doesn’t enjoy working out, know that you don’t have to be an athlete to keep active. In fact, it’s recommended that you begin with moderate physical activity and gradually increase its duration, frequency, and intensity. Remember: something is better than nothing.

You can start with something as simple as walking your daily short distances instead of driving, or spend 30 minutes on the treadmill while you listen to a podcast or music, learn a new language, or watch the news or a series.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR EVERY STAGE IN LIFE

Unless there’s a health problem that makes it impossible, we should all strive for some kind of physical activity:

• Babies: It’s not recommended that babies stay seated or in their crib or playpen for too long. Remember, there’s playtime and crawling, and you can also introduce him/her to objects that can be pushed, thrown, or even climbed.
• Young children: Allow and encourage them to play. Games that involve balls, hide-and-seek, running, and jumping are perfect for them.
• Kids aged 5-17: These kids should have at least 1 hour of physical activity a day, anywhere from light to intense.
• Adults aged 18-64: They should have at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, anywhere from light to intense.
• Adults aged 65 or older: Physical capabilities and health permitting, it’s recommended to get in at least 150 minutes of light physical activity per week.

BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

So, what’s the point of all this? Well, physical activity has a number of benefits for people of all ages. Here are some of the most important ones.

1. It reduces the risk of early death
   This includes the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke; and colon, breast, or prostate cancer. It also regulates hormone levels and cholesterol.
2. It reduces the risk of developing diabetes
   It helps regulate blood sugar levels and increase insulin production.
3. It improves mental health
   By reducing depression, anxiety, and stress, physical activity also improves your work performance and social relationships.
4. It promotes better breathing
   Rigorous physical activity brings about maximal oxygen consumption, improving blood supply to the muscles, while regulating your heart rate.
5. It helps you develop healthy muscles
   It enhances flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
6. It helps your bones and joints
   It improves bone metabolism, which prevents deterioration. It also prevents osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, relieves back pain, reduces the risk of bone fissure, and reduces the risk of falling by improving flexibility, balance, and coordination.  
7. It reduces infections
   It helps strengthen the immune system.
8. It helps you achieve a healthy weight
   It helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight by burning calories, which generally makes us feel good.
9. It promotes better sleep
   It promotes better rest and a more profound sleep, while also reducing the risk of insomnia and sleep apnea, all of which allows us to better focus on our day-to-day activities, improving our overall wellbeing.
10. It improves your sex life
    It reduces the risk of erectile dysfunction and improves your overall physical condition, which boosts your confidence and self-esteem.
11. It improves memory and the ability to learn new things in kids and young adults
    Engaging in physical activity instead of other more sedentary activities allows kids and young adults to concentrate and perform better at school.

EXERCISE AND VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is an ideal supplement to physical activity because it helps prevent deficiencies that can cause anemia. Also, its main functions are strengthening the immune system and acting as an antioxidant. During a workout, free radicals are created, and because of that, it’s important to maintain healthy levels of Vitamin C.

Another excellent way to maintain good levels of Vitamin C is through a healthy diet, further supplemented by Redoxon®, whose effervescent action helps us absorb Vitamin C more quickly and effectively.

So now you know! Physical activity is key for our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Be consistent about it to reap all its benefits, and you’ll see that if you really commit, you’ll love it and won’t ever want to quit.

REFERENCES

• Hospitales Ángeles. (n.d.). 10 beneficios de la actividad física. En Forma 180. Retrieved from https://www.salud180.com/nutricion-y-ejercicio/10-beneficios-de-la-actividad-fisica
• Kokemix. (2011). La Importancia de la Vitamina C en el deporte. 42 k Running. Retrieved from https://42krunning.com/la-importancia-de-la-vitamina-c-en-el-deporte/
• Mi bebé y yo. (n.d.). ¿Los bebés deben hacer ejercicio? Mi bebé y yo. Retrieved from https://www.mibebeyyo.com/bebes/salud-bienestar/salud-bebe/bebes-ejercicio-1153
• Secretaria General de l’Esport, Generalitat de Catalunya. (2017). 10 beneficios de la actividad física. Sport Vicious. Retrieved from http://www.sportvicious.com/2016/07/los-10-beneficios-la-actividad-fisica/