The importance of physical activity at different stages of life

 

People are in continuous evolution. From the moment we are born until we die, our physiological, biological, emotional, psychological, and relational priorities change.

However, some life's aspects do not change: the urge to stay active. No matter the time or stage we are going through, our body is designed to move and be active. There will be times when we need to move more than usual, and others when we don't, but physical activity is crucial for health. In any case, these vital changes indeed mark different needs throughout a person's life.

 

When we are born, we already move in a completely automatic way. Babies move their legs incessantly, mechanically, and unconsciously. Then we learn to walk, keeping our balance and moving around achievement. In the following years, we develop the fundamental skills to be able to carry out all daily activities and gain coordination, balance, and mobility are key for the future. Childhood is already a good time to introduce physical activity as a routine to children through different sports or games, which will be a crucial part of their training as future adults. During childhood, the WHO (World Health Organization) recommends spending about 60 minutes a day on physical activity.

 

The need for physical activity continues during adolescence, but this period is sensitive as interests change a lot and adolescents prioritize socialization over many other activities. Teenagers also enter a stage where studying or entering the world of work becomes relevant, but this should not mean that healthy habits are neglected. It is a good time to learn how to combine and enjoy them. The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends that teenagers dedicate more than 60 minutes to physical activity every day.

 

From the age of 18, approximately, until old age, the WHO recommends between 75 and 150 minutes of aerobic physical activity combined with muscle strengthening work. Even if it is difficult to achieve, you should remember: doing a bit is always better than nothing. Maturity is a broad stage during which we go through very different moments: from motherhood or fatherhood or other environmental changes; to discomfort, illness, injury, etc. Different moments with very diverse requirements.

 

 

Broadly speaking, we need to have some clear ideas:

• Do not stop moving, even if it is a little, except when there is a specific medical prescription.
• Combine an aerobic activity such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, playing paddle tennis, or soccer -among others- with muscle strengthening work. Studies show that maintaining strong and healthy muscles slow-down aging and give autonomy.
• During pregnancy and postpartum, except in cases of medical contraindication, it is necessary to stay active with aerobic activities and muscle strengthening. It is good for the mother and the fetus.
• And finally, during old age, physical activity continues to be a very important element, especially because it helps to continue being active on a day-to-day basis; to have motivation; to maintain social relationships, and, above all, not to lose autonomy.

 

We must keep in mind that staying active will benefit our work performance. Studies demonstrate how physical health and healthy habits have relevant consequences on your life: more concentration, feeling more energetic, positivity, an increased capacity for self-control, and relating better to your colleagues.