Physical activity

5 things you should know

1. Engaging in regular physical activity has many benefits that include more energy, better concentration, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and a reduced risk of many illnesses — and it is much better for the environment.

2. Individuals should reduce the amount of time that they are inactive and take the opportunity to make the active choice every chance they get.

3. Physical activities can be placed into two main categories — aerobic activities and muscle and bone strengthening activities — with aerobic activities providing the greatest benefits.

4. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity per week: that’s only 30 minutes a day on 5 days of the week.

5. Exercising too much can lead to consequences such as sleep problems, heart problems, irritability, depression and injury.