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A Guide to Physical Activity: 1.4 Exploring the Benefits of Physical Activity

A Guide to Physical Activity
1.4 Exploring the Benefits of Physical Activity
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table of contents
  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Table Of Contents
  5. Acknowledgements
  6. Chapter 1: Physical Activity Foundations
    1. 1.1 An Introduction to Physical Activity Foundations
    2. 1.2 Physical Activity Terminology
    3. 1.3 Measures of Physical Activity
    4. 1.4 Exploring the Benefits of Physical Activity
    5. 1.5 Physical Activity Guidelines and Recommendations
    6. 1.6 Physical Activity in the United States: Trends
    7. 1.7 Components of Physical Fitness
    8. 1.8 Training Principles
    9. 1.9 Conclusion
  7. Chapter 2: The Benefits of Physical Activity
    1. 2.1 An Introduction to the Benefits of Physical Activity
    2. 2.2 Physiological Benefits
    3. 2.3 Cognitive Benefits
    4. 2.4 Psychological Benefits
    5. 2.5 Barriers to Physical Activity
    6. 2.6 Engaging in Healthy Behavior Change
    7. 2.7 Conclusion
  8. Chapter 3: Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
    1. 3.1 An Introduction to Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
    2. 3.2 Nutrition 101
    3. 3.3 Energy Requirements and Dietary Health
    4. 3.4 Dietary Recommendations and Nutrition Labels
    5. 3.5 Nutrition for Physical Activity
    6. 3.6 Barriers to Healthy Nutrition
    7. 3.7 Dietary Resources
    8. 3.8 Conclusion

1.4 Exploring the Benefits of Physical Activity

Engagement in physical activity and exercise may provide numerous health benefits to an individual, with optimal health often paralleling adequate levels of activity (Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2008). A brief overview of the benefits incurred from regular physical activity are as follows:

  1. Physical benefits: reduced risk for a variety of diseases and conditions (i.e., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, some types of cancer, etc.), improvements in mobility and fitness, and overall enhancement of quality of life.
  2. Cognitive benefits: heightened academic performance, improved brain function, and reduced risk of age-related cognitive impairment and disease.
  3. Psychological benefits: enhanced mood, reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression, and increased self-esteem and body image.

Furthermore, participation in physical activity regimens which increase an individual’s cardiovascular or muscular fitness may result in lifestyle enhancements, such as:

  • ability to complete activities of daily living (i.e., climbing the stairs or catching the bus) without becoming winded
  • ability to engage in recreational activities (i.e., playing with a young child or performing a sport) for extended periods of time
  • ability to easily move or lift a heavy load (i.e., carry grocery bags or move furniture)

You may explore Chapter 2 at your leisure if you are interested in examining the specific physical, cognitive, and psychological benefits of physical activity in combination with the topics presented in Chapter 1. Utilizing the information presented in each chapter simultaneously may enhance your ability to incorporate the content into daily lifestyle behaviors.

An arm in a blood pressure cuff and a medical chart
The benefits of regular participation in physical activity include enhanced physical, cognitive, and psychological health. Individuals should consider their current health status in each domain (physical, cognitive, and psychological) when starting an exercise regimen in order to assess any changes that may occur in overall wellness.
Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Works Cited:

Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee. (2008). Physical activity guidelines advisory committee report, 2008. Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services, 2008, A1-H14.

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1.5 Physical Activity Guidelines and Recommendations
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Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Fitness
Copyright © 2019. A Guide to Physical Activity by Eydie Kramer is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
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