doing physical activities

Get Fit: Look Good, Feel Good, and Improve Function

Some men disregard regular exercise, stating that they are not aiming for abs anyway. While regular physical exercise, especially a combination of aerobic exercises and strength training, results in a great physique, this is not the only reason you need to work out. Did you know that a lack of physical exercise coupled with an unhealthy diet can lead to various chronic diseases and obesity that can cause erectile dysfunction? This should make most men more attentive.

The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to reduce the major risk factors leading to preventable chronic diseases. These factors are lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, use of tobacco, and excessive drinking.

The second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans states that around half of all adults in the U.S. have preventable chronic diseases. A lack of regular physical activity contributes to 70 percent of the most common chronic diseases. Up to 80 percent of American adults do not meet the key guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. About four in five high school students have inadequate physical activity. This results in $117 billion worth of health care and causes around 10 percent of premature mortality every year.

Diseases from Lack of Adequate Physical Activity

The CDC highlights that physical inactivity can lead to excess weight, painful arthritis, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The risk for lung, breast, and colon cancer applies even without obesity. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, lack of physical activity also increases feelings of anxiety and depression. Among older adults, it increases the risk for falls and the inability to do daily tasks.

Mayo Clinic highlights that heart disease, diabetes, and obesity can all result in erectile dysfunction (ED) disorder. Men must also note that stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as long-term use of tobacco, excessive drinking, and use of illegal substances, can also lead to ED.

Physical Activity Requirements

There are sexual dysfunction treatment centers, and they will address any underlying conditions that are causing ED and necessary lifestyle changes. Basic among these are regular exercise, good nutrition, and cessation of excessive drinking, tobacco use, and use of illegal substances.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans states that adults must do a minimum of two-and-half to five hours of aerobic physical activity every week. Alternatively, they can do one-hour-and-15-minutes to two-and-half hours of intense aerobic physical activity.

They can also do a combination of both. In addition, for two or more days a week, adults must do moderate or greater intensity muscle-strengthening activities involving all major muscle groups. It is best to lessen the number of hours sitting and increase movement throughout the day.

Some men disregard regular exercise, stating that they are not aiming for abs anyway. Regular physical exercise, especially aerobic exercises and strength training, results in a great physique. This is not the only reason why you need to work out, though. Did you know that a lack of physical exercise coupled with an unhealthy diet can lead to various chronic diseases and obesity that can cause erectile dysfunction? This should make most men more attentive.

Inactive people must start slowly with lower intensity exercises and gradually increase the intensity and length of workouts. They must choose exercises that are appropriate and safe for their current fitness level. It is essential to use the appropriate sports equipment and any necessary safety gear. Always work out in safe environments and follow all health and safety rules and regulations.

Preschool-aged children from three to five years old need physical activity throughout the day for proper growth and development. Adults must encourage them to play with a variety of activities. Children older than five and adolescents up to 17 years old must have encouragement and opportunities for various enjoyable age-appropriate physical activities.

This must include an hour each day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, with vigorous activity done for at least three days a week. The 60 minutes daily must also include muscle-strengthening physical activity at least three days a week and bone-strengthening physical activity at least three days a week.

Get Physical and Reap the Benefits

According to the Guidelines, regular physical activity results in better sleep, better bone and musculoskeletal health, improved ability to perform daily activities, enhanced cognitive ability, and a lower risk of dementia. It lowers the risk of developing any major chronic diseases and improves general physical performance in all aspects of life.

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