Benefits of Activity

Okay, so what are the benefits of physical activity for women?

• Increase physical fitness
• Decreased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, cancer and type 2 diabetes
• Prevention/treatment mild-moderate depression and anxiety
• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure
• Weight management
• Prevention of osteoporosis and falls
• Having fun/ socializing / meeting people
• “Me” time – to do something for yourself
• Prevent and manage low back pain and osteoarthritis
• Improved sleep
• Improved mood
• Reduced stress
• Sharpen your mind

If you completed the barriers questionnaire above, or know that you are not active enough, the next question may be: How much exercise should I be doing on a weekly basis?

The Australian National Physical Activity Guidelines (2019) advise the following;

• 150 minutes of vigorous or 300 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week
• Muscle strengthening exercises 2 days per week
• Reduce sedentary behaviour

How do I apply this to myself?

Be active in some way preferably all or most days of the week.

What is moderate exercise?

• Breathing quickens but you are not short of breath,
• Light sweat after 10 minutes
• You can still talk whilst exercising
• Example: Brisk walk, swim

What is vigorous exercise?

• Challenging, quick breathing, puffing
• Sweat after a few minutes
• Can’t talk at the same time as exercising
• Running, aerobics, netball, tennis, dancing