Currently only 21% of Americans meet the physical activity guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This has become a major concern in today's society, as many of its effects are being seen. One of ten deaths worldwide result from insufficient physical activity (WHO). Physical activity is any type of movement that requires energy. Being physically active contributes to a person's overall fitness, which is a general state of health and wellbeing. Physical activity is essential to living a healthy life. Being physically fit means doing a variety of different physical activities, which in turn provide one with several health benefits.
In order for physical activity to take place, the muscles in the body need …show more content…
There is an increase in blood flow throughout the body when a person is physically active. This increased blood flow causes improved brain function during and after a workout, and contributes to the release of certain chemicals. During physical activity certain neurotransmitters are triggered. These include: endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate (Mercola). All of these neurotransmitters have been linked to mood control and are effective in preventing depression. Physical activity causes these chemicals to be released in the brain which can provide a person with an almost euphoric feeling. Being physically active also causes the brain to release the protein brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This protein relieves stress, and triggers the release of other chemical compounds within the brain that promote health. The chemicals released by the brain affect a person's attitude and …show more content…
These time periods differ slightly depending on a person's age. For a child 60 minutes or more every day is recommended. Most of the 60 minutes should include aerobic activities, anaerobic activities should be worked in three times a week (CDC). Adults should aim for either 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Anaerobic activities should be worked in twice a week (Mayo). For older people, physical activity may be a bit more structured, as they usually have more problems that need to be addressed. An older person's physical activity plan may focus directly on one activity depending on what is more beneficial to them (Webster). It is recommended that people find an activity that they enjoy doing, that way they will be more motivated to
In order for physical activity to take place, the muscles in the body need …show more content…
There is an increase in blood flow throughout the body when a person is physically active. This increased blood flow causes improved brain function during and after a workout, and contributes to the release of certain chemicals. During physical activity certain neurotransmitters are triggered. These include: endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate (Mercola). All of these neurotransmitters have been linked to mood control and are effective in preventing depression. Physical activity causes these chemicals to be released in the brain which can provide a person with an almost euphoric feeling. Being physically active also causes the brain to release the protein brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This protein relieves stress, and triggers the release of other chemical compounds within the brain that promote health. The chemicals released by the brain affect a person's attitude and …show more content…
These time periods differ slightly depending on a person's age. For a child 60 minutes or more every day is recommended. Most of the 60 minutes should include aerobic activities, anaerobic activities should be worked in three times a week (CDC). Adults should aim for either 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Anaerobic activities should be worked in twice a week (Mayo). For older people, physical activity may be a bit more structured, as they usually have more problems that need to be addressed. An older person's physical activity plan may focus directly on one activity depending on what is more beneficial to them (Webster). It is recommended that people find an activity that they enjoy doing, that way they will be more motivated to