For the first time in decades the average life expectancy for Americans has declined to 77 years according to the World Bank Data 2020. So, what are we doing wrong?
Exercise is defined as movement of the whole musculoskeletal system in a well thought out way. In addition, feeling some sort of discomfort only for a certain amount of time. Some of the most basic metrics you will have to keep in mind are repetitions, sets and heart rate. This method of moving the body gives us short- and long-term benefits towards our health.
Pre-planned exercise time is perfect. Exercise with intensity and intension is needed for Body Composition and the risks that are associated with it. The problem with most Americans is that we seat way too long and therefore, 30min of exercise is not enough to combat all the negative effects from sitting in the office, watching hours of our favorite shows or even navigating on the internet sometimes for hours at a time. Did you know that sitting three continuous hours can increase your risk of dying from heart disease up to 64% (resource from American Heart Association).
So then what is Physical activity, this is what we do every minute we spend of our awaken hours. This is as equally important as exercise. This is where I believe most of us are doing things wrong. We spend too much time sitting. American adults sit an average of 7.7 hours per day according to the latest research found in the National Library of Medicine.
So, if we are sitting around 7 hours per day and only moving the body for 30minutes and hopefully challenging the body during those 30minutes. Well, of course the recommendations aren’t enough to justify for all the negative effects that come from sitting we are doing as a Nation.
In my professional opinion, they are both equally important exercise and physical activity. Just because we are done with a 30minute moderate intensity exercise session doesn’t mean we can now go ahead and seat for hours.
The body needs circulation all day long.
