Physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your health. Knowing all the benefits on both physical and mental health, you would think more people would be active. The reality is that we are more inactive than ever!

Our body is designed for movement, and in the old days physical activity was crucial for our survival – we had to walk long distance to find food and water and run away from treats. In our modern society we don’t have to do that. First, humans are naturally lazy. We will find the most efficient ways to do less. We park as close to the entrance as possible, we get home delivery, and we have someone who comes and clean our house. Plus, most jobs today include sitting in front of a computer all day.

We simply don’t move as much as we should.

So, what are the benefits of physical activity?

• It reduces the risk of many health conditions and diseases such as hearth attach, stroke, certain types of cancers, dementia and depression.
• It reduces your blood pressure and improves your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
• It strengthens your bones and muscles and can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
• It improves your overall well-being by reducing the level of stress in your body – which many people today suffer from.
• It improves your sleep and give you more energy.
• It reduces pain.
• It improves your brain health!

Yes, your brain health! Not many know how important physical activity is for our brain. When we are active and move our body and use our muscles, loads of chemical substances are released. These chemicals strengthen our existing nerve cells and improves the communication between them so that we can think more clear and improves our ability to learn new skills. It also even makes way for growth of new nerve cells. This will also protect our brain from the natural ageing process and reduce the risk of dementia. By strengthening your brain, you’ll not only feel better, but you make your brain better at managing the stress you meet in your daily life. It increases your creativity, your concentration and even your intelligence!

And don’t worry. It’s never too late to start moving! You don’t have to slave at the gym 5 times a week. The most important thing is that you do something.

• Start by adding 30 min of walking 2-3 times a week. Walk in a speed where you get your heart rate up, but still can keep a conversation.
• Plan to get more active with your spouse or join your kids at the playground.
• Stick to the plan! Getting a new habit can be challenging, and you may have to push yourself out the door in the beginning, but after those first weeks it gets easier!
• Dubai have so many great opportunities for training, and in many areas, you can join outdoor training groups without having to join a gym. Check what is available in your area.
• Don’t be alarmed if you start feeling soreness or aches. It’s completely normal for your muscles to be sore in the beginning.

Good luck in becoming more active, and please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns or questions.

Trude S.