“Understanding Active Living”
Active living is not just a buzzword, it’s a lifestyle that everyone can adapt to. Physical activity can be incorporated into our daily routines, from walking to the store to biking to work. This approach not only improves our physical health but also addresses the root causes of health issues. Research and policy changes are being made to make active living more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and risks of sports, physical activity, and active living, and how we can incorporate them into our daily lives.
What is Active Living?
Active living, as defined, is a lifestyle that integrates physical activity into everyday routines. This lifestyle includes any form of physical movement such as walking, biking, and even recreational activities. It is not a formalized exercise program or routine, but rather a way of incorporating a physically active lifestyle into daily life. Communities that support active living offer resources such as walking trails, bike lanes, and recreational facilities to encourage physical activity.
Benefits of Active Living
Active living promotes a healthier lifestyle and helps address health concerns such as obesity and chronic disease. It also brings economic advantages and improved quality of life to communities that support it. Professionals, activists, and other experts work together to build places that encourage active living and physical activity. One example of this effort is the Safe Routes to School program, which builds infrastructure such as sidewalks and pedestrian crossing signals to help children walk safely to school. Recreational opportunities such as parks and fitness centers also contribute to an active lifestyle. [1][2][3][4]
The Importance of Physical Activity
Roles of Physical Activity
Physical activity is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Being physically active can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Regular physical activity also helps manage weight and improves mental health. Individuals the need to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines to reap these benefits.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, or a combination of both. Furthermore, muscle-strengthening activities such as lifting weights or doing push-ups should be done at least two days per week. Children and adolescents should get at least one hour of physical activity per day, including aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. [5][6][7][8]
Active Living Tips for Everyday Life
https://holisticwellnesswave.com/index.php/2023/12/12/10-effective-workouts-to-boost-weight-loss-and-improve-fitness/
Walking for Transportation and Exercise
Regular walking can be an enjoyable way to get physical activity. Going for a short walk during lunch breaks or after dinner can help increase daily physical activity levels. Planning outings and holidays that include physical activities such as hiking or swimming can be a fun way to stay active. Walking or cycling to school or work can also be beneficial to health. Parking a 10-minute walk from school can be an excellent way to encourage children to walk to school.
Cycling for Transportation and Exercise
Cycling is another low-impact form of exercise that can be easy to incorporate into daily routines. Riding a bike to work, school, or errands can be an effective way to stay active while also accomplishing necessary tasks. Cycling is also suitable for families as it can be a fun activity to do together. By including physical activities such as walking and cycling into daily routines, individuals can help lead a more active and healthier lifestyle. [9][10][11][12]
Designing Neighborhoods for Active Living
Features of Walkable Neighborhoods
To encourage active living, neighborhoods should be designed with features that promote walking and other forms of physical activity. These can include sidewalks, bike lanes, and connected street networks that make it easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. Additionally, neighborhoods should be designed with mixed-use developments that integrate residential areas with retail spaces and public amenities, such as parks and community centers.
Creating Safe and Accessible Infrastructure for Active Living
Creating safe and accessible infrastructure is critical to making neighborhoods more walkable and bike-friendly. This can include installing safety features such as traffic-calming measures, well-maintained sidewalks, and safe crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, neighborhoods should be designed with accessibility in mind, featuring infrastructure that is accessible to people with disabilities and seniors, including curb ramps, accessible parking spaces, and benches along walking paths. By designing neighborhoods that prioritize active living, cities, and towns can improve the overall health and well-being of their residents while also promoting environmental sustainability. [13][14][15][16]
Work and Active Living
Promoting Physical Activity at Work
Designing a worksite environment that promotes physical activity can include offering on-site gyms or other facilities, flexible work time or breaks for physical activity, and promoting active transport and the use of stairs. Formal policies that encourage physical activity can also be implemented, such as exercise breaks or bicycle parking. The CDC’s Active People Healthy Nation website offers resources for promoting physical activity in the workplace.
Stretches and Exercises to Do at Work
Short bursts of physical activity can be integrated into the workday through stretches and exercises. Examples include neck rotations, shoulder shrugs, and leg stretches. Desk exercises, such as chair squats, wall push-ups, and calf stretches, can also be done throughout the day. Encouraging employees to take active breaks, such as a quick walk outside or stretching, can improve overall health and productivity. [17][18][19][20]
Schools and Active Living
Physical Activity in Schools
Schools play a vital role in promoting physical activity and helping children lead healthy lives. To increase physical activity, schools should offer physical education, safe routes for walking and biking, access to parks, playgrounds, and community centers. Children need access to sports leagues, dance or fitness programs to keep them engaged. Developing a “park deserts map” indicating the distance from the population centers to parks and green spaces is beneficial.
Strategies to Increase Physical Activity Among Students
Engaging students in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity between classroom lessons has proven beneficial. Offer physically active intramural sports for students of all levels and make sure they are free and attainable for all children. Increasing the availability of playgrounds and community centers, and promoting active routes to school, is equally crucial. Developing policies that encourage physical activity, such as exercise breaks or bicycle parking, is also vital. [21][22][23][24]
Youth, Adults, and Active Living
Active Living for Adults and Older Adults
Adults and older adults living with disabilities should engage in multi-component physical activities that include functional balance and strength training on 3 or more days a week. It is possible to avoid sedentary behavior by engaging in activities that incorporate upper body movements or are exclusive to wheelchair users. To promote physical activity globally, policies should be developed and implemented at the national level. These policies should include guidelines for physical activity, communication campaigns, innovative research, surveillance, and monitoring. [25][26]
Youth, Adults, and Active Living
Active Living for Adults and Older Adults
It is recommended that adults and seniors living with disabilities engage in multi-component physical activities that include functional balance and strength training for at least three days a week. To avoid sedentary behavior, activities that incorporate upper body movements or are exclusive to wheelchair users are great options. Policies promoting physical activity should be implemented at the national level and should provide guidelines, communication campaigns, innovative research, surveillance, and monitoring.
Conclusion: Making Active Living Part of Your Life
Prioritizing an active lifestyle helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases, maintain a healthy weight, and improve mood and mental health. It is important to remember to set realistic goals when starting an active lifestyle to avoid burnout. From youth to older adults, an active lifestyle can have a profound impact on overall health and satisfaction throughout life. [27][28]
FAQ’s
Q: What is active living?
A: Active living refers to a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines, such as walking to work or taking the stairs. It encompasses a variety of activities that promote movement and well-being.
Q: How can active living benefit my overall wellness?
A: Engaging in regular physical activity through active living can contribute to improved physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. It can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases and enhance social connections.
Q: What opportunities does active living offer for seniors?
A: Active living provides seniors with the opportunity to stay physically and socially engaged. It promotes independence, improved mobility, and a higher quality of life for older adults.
Q: How can I incorporate active living into my daily routine?
A: You can incorporate active living into your daily routine by participating in activities such as walking, cycling, gardening, or engaging in recreational sports. Making small changes, like taking active transportation or using stairs, can also contribute to an active lifestyle.
Q: What is the role of chiropractic care in active living?
A: Chiropractic care plays a crucial role in active living by promoting optimal movement and function of the body’s musculoskeletal system. It can help individuals maintain proper alignment, prevent injuries, and enhance overall physical well-being.
