Sitting Weakens: Stand Up and Start Moving

The Department of Health encourages Australians to move more and sitting less. Regardless of age, physical activity is essential for good physical and mental health. There are even guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviors for people across all ages on the website of the Department; so, there is no excuse to be a couch potato. A lot of men’s and womens activewear Australia are readily available for anyone who wants to get their bodies moving.

The Sedentary Behavior in Australia

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did a study and found that 56% of Australian adults were not sufficiently physically active between 2014 and 2015. Physical activity of not only Australians but also other nations in the world continues to decline because of the sedentary nature of many forms of work and leisure. Many people work or go to school seated behind a desk all day, and when they get home, they relax by sitting in front of the TV or playing video games. Even when going to work or school, sitting in a car or train is more prevalent than walking or biking.

The Bad Effects of Sitting

Health experts now dub sitting as the new smoking. Humans evolved to stand. The human gluteal muscles, AKA, the booty, separates humans from other primates because these large and powerful muscles allow humans to stand upright. Although equating sitting to smoking is an exaggeration that intends to evoke action and get people moving, excessive sitting is still bad for the health. Researchers from Canada, the US, and Australia found that sitting for more than 8 hours a day increases the risks of premature death and chronic diseases by 10 to 20%. Prolonged sitting weakens the muscles of the lower body. It also reduces energy expenditure, making fat gain and consequently obesity likelier. Being sedentary also weakens the cardiovascular system. Occasionally elevating heart rate through physical activities makes the heart work and become stronger.

Physical Activities in Australia – Sitting

The Australian Bureau of Statistics found that Australians aged 15 years or older exercise for about 42 minutes every day. The Bureau notes that walking was the most popular physical activity that Australians did. However, there are plenty of other things Australians can do than walk. They can lift weights, play sports, play with the kids, dance, martial arts, etc. The critical point is to do something enjoyable. Remembering this can keep any activity from feeling like a chore or obligation that has to be regularly done.

What to Wear

Just like how office workers wear suits at work, there is also appropriate clothing when doing any physical activity. Activewear is clothes made of a unique fabric that is soft, stretchy, and lightweight. These clothes also wick moisture, which helps sweat evaporate more quickly to cool the body. All in all, activewear makes movement more comfortable and allows for better performance. There is no shortage for both the men’s and women’s activewear in Australia, thanks to many sports brands. Regardless of physical fitness level and type of activity, there is something to wear appropriately.

Lastly, Don’t Forget to Eat Right.

Health problems such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are taking the modern world by storm. Many of these ailments are chronic, and the economic costs of having even one of these diseases can be as substantial as having the condition. However, physical activity can only do so much in addressing these problems. Nutrition is also a key factor. Paring sufficient physical activity and proper nutrition can keep people on track in living a healthy life.