According to the Maine Nutrition Network 21.5% of Maine adults are completely sedentary and only half meet the Surgeon General’s recommendations for weekly physical activity.
In addition, the Maine Youth Risk and Behavior Surveillance System indicates that more than 36% of Maine youth do not engage in vigorous physical activity on three days or more each week.
Inactive youth become inactive adults with higher risk for chronic illness.
What is physical activity?
Physical activity is any movement of the body that produces energy. Walking, gardening, playing soccer, dancing, or weight training are all examples of physical activity. So are sweeping floors, scrubbing, and raking leaves.
And why is it important?
Physical Activity:
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· Supports healthy weight loss and maintenance
· Increases energy
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· Improves mood and reduces depression and anxiety
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· Relieves stress
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· Helps you sleep better
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· Decreases the risk of developing
o Obesity/overweight
o Cardiovascular disease
o Colon cancer
o Osteoporosis
o Diabetes
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· Helps control high blood pressure
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How much physical activity do I need?
Adults should get 30 minutes total of moderate to vigorous cardiovascular physical activity a day. This means your breathing and heart rates should increase during the activity.
Children and adolescents should get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on 5 or more days each week.