Modern consumers must battle for a better quality of life. In previous articles I mentioned various ways to maintain good health, such as taking dietary supplements and eating healthy food. There are other factors contributing to good health, however. It has been said that good health can’t be bought but involves work and care; in short, there is no free lunch. Therefore in this article I will focus on one indispensable factor that can improve or at least maintain our health and well-being –
Physical activity can take many forms
Our agricultural ancestors had to use all of their physical strength to survive in a tough environment. Those who were farmers had to work in the fields from dawn until evening. Their muscles were stretched and utilized to a point where no additional exercise was necessary. Nowadays, farmers are more fortunate, as the industrial revolution provided better equipment to assist in crop production. They still have to work in the fields all day long, but the difference is the greater amount of work achieved. As such, physical activity for farmers is not an issue. In contrast, the majority of urban workers use their muscles far less, and so need to find ways to keep fit.
Physical activity for urban consumers can come in many forms. This can be as simple as walking up or down buildings instead of using an elevator, or just doing more housework. What happens is that our muscles move, stretch, flex and grow stronger. More importantly, calories are burned so there will be less accumulation of body weight. On a given day, an adult might consume and burn 1,600-2,000 kilocalories. If we take in more food, the surplus will be stored somewhere else in our bodies. This weight gain occurs gradually, so by the time we notice it may be too late to rectify. keeping body and soul physically active.
The advantages of exercise
We know that the most important benefit of exercise is burning calories, as it boosts metabolism and helps with weight management. And that exercise can make muscles stronger, healthier and more flexible, a good idea in case of any unexpected accidents. Furthermore, when our bodies are healthy and strong, ailments subside and we can proceed with greater quality of life and longevity. Although aerobic exercise is the most significant action in keeping fit, as mentioned earlier any kind of physical activity can be helpful in consuming calories.
One can see that if ordinary people take in various food providing 2,000 kilocalories and maintain normal activities such as sitting, watching television and working in a seated position for 16 hours, plus eight hours sleeping, the total energy used up will be around 2,000 kilocalories, so body weight will be in equilibrium. However, a normal individual surrounded by passions and attachments can easily be lured into having a bit more, such as in the form of sweets or carbonated sugary beverages. This additional intake, even in small quantities, can give our body a surplus of calories and result in a small amount of weight gain at the end of the day.
For city dwellers, exercise can be achieved in many ways. We just have to find what best suits our bodies and preferences. In my case, I used to swim freestyle for an hour, amounting to 2,000 metres, a few times a week. So on swim days I could burn an extra 800 kilocalories on a normal 2,000 kilocalorie diet, translating into a 200 gram reduction in body weight. I could then consume more food or sweets that I love or use this minus 200 grams as weight reduction. I continued this habit for many years and ended up with no weight gain or loss even though I enjoy eating so much.
If we keep up various habits to stay active, such as walking more, working in a standing position (growing more popular in some workplaces) and playing sports or exercising a few days a week, we can ensure proper weight management and a good quality of life.
