Being Active
How much physical activity should I be doing?
For health benefits you need to take 30 minutes moderate intensity physical activity every day.
- You don’t have to do all the activity at once, you can build it up during the day in bursts as short as 10 minutes.
- Remember…..
- * Every step counts, small changes make a difference.
- * It’s never too late to start, even if you have not been active for a long time.
- * Choose an activity you enjoy.
What is 'moderate intensity'?
It takes a different level of activity to reach moderate intensity for each person, the best way to know if you have reached moderate intensity is to listen to your body.
- You have reached moderate intensity when:
- * You are warmer.
- * You are breathing more heavily (but not out of breath).
- * Your heart is beating a little faster.
Talk Test: you should still be able to carry out a conversation during physical activity.
Why is being active good for me?
It has been said that if you could bottle all the benefits of being active and put it in a pharmacy it would be a best seller!
- * Better health
- * Helps control weight
- * Puts you in a Positive mood
- * Gives you more energy
- * Enhances self esteem and confidence
- * Helps keep blood pressure level healthy
- * Helps prevent diabetes
- * Helps reduce stress, depression and anxiety
- * Better posture and balance
- * Builds stronger muscles and bones
www.irishheart.ie
www.healthysteps.ie
www.healthinfo.ie
www.spunout.ie
Please visit our health download section for health booklets and brochures.
