2 min read

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Physical exercise is among the top recommended ways of staying healthy and fit. Simply put, physical exercise is vital for good health. And thus, we should strive to be physically active at all stages of our lives – regardless of our race, age, gender, or body mass.

Obesity has been an issue of great concern among African-Britons, Afro-Caribbeans, and African Americans. Thus, it is high time for us to promote physical fitness among the descendants of Africa.

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Why You Need Physical Exercise

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In today’s world, engaging in physical exercises can help build and maintain overall muscle strength and mass. We need to understand that strong muscles are associated with healthy bones on most occasions and can further reduce the likelihood of osteoporosis-related fractures. Physical exercises, especially those involving strength training, are necessary to build muscle strength and health maintenance, thus increasing your endurance capabilities and eases your daily activities.

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A combination of poor nutrition, age-related shifts, and inactivity tends to conspire in seizing bone mass steadily at an estimated rate of about 1% annually. As bones become more fragile and prone to fractures, they are more likely to break. A minor fall or much less obvious strain, such as the act of bending over to pick up an object or tie a shoelace, can be much more painful or even result in bone fractures.

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Benefits of Physical Exercises

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Physical exercises, particularly aerobic, weight-bearing exercises like running or walking, benefit your bones and general body health. Physical exercise targets bones of the spine, wrists, and hips, which are the most likely to be subjected to fracture. Some of the benefits include;

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• Improved strength and stability: It can be achieved by indulging in resistance workouts that include movements that emphasize power and balance. It helps build confidence, encourage you to stay active, and reduce the possibility of fractures during falls.

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• Weight loss and staying fit: If you are trying to cut calories to lose weight, you will probably be losing muscle as well. But engaging in physical exercise can counteract this effect. On average, 27 per cent of the weight lost during dieting is a muscle, according to the Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness Journal report. Physical fitness helps us keep obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at bay.

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• Slowing the rate of bone loss: Numerous studies have shown that indulging in physical exercise contributes substantially to slowing the rate of bone loss and even building bone. It is perceived to be extremely helpful in compensating for mass bone decline usually associated with age. Activities such as pulling and pushing that put pressure on the bones can trigger bone-building cells' action, resulting in healthier and denser bones.

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Some of your body’s recommended best physical exercises do not require a gym regardless of your age or fitness level, and they help you get in shape and lower your risk of disease. You will develop a firmer figure, slimmer, and have more energy to be active. Besides, you can get more out of your cardio workouts simply because you can go faster and last longer during such exercises.

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WeAfric provides all continental and historical African diaspora with a social networking platform to discuss matters of our well-being. As we engage within our professional circles with our own, we know more insights on keeping our bodies healthy and fit. The useful information we share amongst us will go a long way in helping us build a robust community of African Diaspora.

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