Now we’re not talking about moving house or moving countries, we’re talking about motivations to exercise! As the cold winter months approach, many are taking their exercise sessions indoors but are finding it difficult to get motivated now there's no sunshine to chase.
In honour of Exercise Right Week 2018, below are some of our motivations to move here at SportsTec. Hopefully they can spark that fire in you to keep moving and stay active through these cooler months!
Did you know Cardiovascular Disease is the single leading cause of death in Australia and kills 1 Australian every 12 minutes? One of the biggest modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular health is exercise. Exercise can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels which can contribute to cardiovascular disease. These improvements can be seen even if no weight is lost. For our younger patients out there; you may think that these conditions only effect the elderly population but unfortunately you're wrong. Many of these conditions begin to develop in our younger years and if not treated correctly will progress as we get older. Exercise can sometimes be all it takes in order to control these conditions without the need of medical intervention.
Even though it is no longer bikini season (here in Canberra anyway!) it is important that we continue to manage our weight. As everyone knows regular exercise is a great way to shed those extra kilograms you’ve been meaning to lose, or to gain some more muscle to increase your body weight. The wide variety of exercises available makes it a fantastic tool to help reach your weight goals! Whether it be increasing that muscle mass with heavy resistance weight training or decreasing some of that adipose tissue through strength and cardio based training – exercise is for you.
We have many different classes on offer at STC because we know people love to exercise with other people! Exercise is a great way to meet new people and branch out from your normal social group. Group exercise comes in many forms including physio lead exercises classes, team sports, gym fitness classes, yoga and pilates or walking groups. If you want to join a group exercise class but aren’t sure what’s available near you, please contact us at STC for more information.
As people get older, the risk of falls increases. Strength and balance training can be a great way to decrease the risk of falls in the elderly population. Whether it be helping you keep your balance when you are going to pick something up off the ground or if you have difficulty walking down stairs – exercises can be tailor made to help improve leg strength and balance; all of which will reduce the risk of having a fall.
Most people can testify that even though they may feel tired after exercising, they do feel happy and satisfied. If you’ve read our Exercise Physiologist’s most recent blog, you know that exercise can amongst other things increase energy levels and improve mood. You’re probably thinking that this is a psychological response to exercise which in part is true but there are also other more scientific things in play that contribute to this feeling...
ENDORPHINS! Endorphins is a word many people probably have heard about, but aren’t quite sure what it is. Endorphins are hormones that help reduce the perception of pain in your body and give a sense of euphoria when released. Endorphins can be released into your body by many means but one of the best ways to get them flowing is to raise that heart rate and exercise! When compared to no treatment at all, exercise is more effective in reducing symptoms of depression.
1. Cooney GM, Dwan K, Greig CA, Lawlor DA, Rimer J, Waugh FR, McMurdo M, Mead GE. Exercise for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD004366. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004366.pub6
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2017, Causes of Death 2016, ABS cat. no. 3303.0, September
3. Shaw KA, Gennat HC, O'Rourke P, Del Mar C. Exercise for overweight or obesity. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD003817. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003817.pub3
Mental health is the umbrella term which covers our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Our mental health affects how we think, feel, and act in a variety of circumstances in our lives. Mental health can also determine how we handle stress, relate to those around us, and inform our decisions.1
Good mental health allows us realise our potential, manage and cope with stressful circumstances we face throughout life. It helps us to work efficiently and contribute to the communities we live in through work, home, school, social and sporting environments. Having social connections, good personal relationships and being part of a community are vital to maintaining good mental health.2
Mental health does not discriminate! It is important to consider mental health through all stages of life from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood.
Mental Health Services Australia state 2-3% of Australian’s have severe mental illness’, 4-6% have a moderate mental illness and 9-12% are diagnosed with a mild mental illness, all of which include anxiety and depressive disorders.3
Symptoms associated with ill mental health can include:
All of the above can affect our ability to function day to day and result in poor mental health.4
There is a strong relationship between physical activity and mental health. Studies show regular exercise is linked to better mental health and emotional well-being, whilst also reducing the risk of developing a mental disorder.5
Exercise can6:
Exercise and Sports Science Australia recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. A 30 minute walk each day is a great way to achieve this especially if exercise is new to you. Any form of exercise is beneficial!
