Why is physical activity useful?

Physical activity can prevent the development of lifestyle diseases, i.e. diseases that can occur as a result of lifestyle. Lifestyle diseases such as. type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Physically active people also have a significantly lower risk of premature death compared to people who are physically inactive.

Physical activity can simultaneously reduce symptoms and/or be part of the treatment of many serious illnesses. Finally, according to indkast.dk, physical activity contributes to good mental health, including increased self-confidence and enjoyment of life, improved social well-being and increased energy.

Especially for children, physical activity can contribute to their motor development. Furthermore, in addition to its importance for health, physical activity can also contribute to bodily experience, general education and social community.

Especially for older people, physical activity can contribute to maintaining a high functional capacity, i.e. the ability to manage oneself in everyday life. And it is never too late to start exercising.

It is important to emphasize that the more physically active you are, the lower your risk of developing a life-threatening disease or dying prematurely. At the same time, the biggest reduction in risk is seen when you go from being physically inactive to being physically inactive. So a little is better than nothing, and even small changes in physical activity can make a big difference.

Physical activity as prevention

As already mentioned, physical activity can prevent a number of lifestyle diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases

When you are regularly physically active, you reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. This is partly because physical activity trains your heart muscles, making your heart stronger. You also get lower blood pressure and a lower heart rate both at rest and during activity. In addition, regular physical activity has a positive effect on blood fats by raising cholesterol levels and lowering triglycerides. This protects against atherosclerosis and reduces the risk of blood clots, e.g. in the brain and heart.

Type 2 diabetes

When you are regularly physically active, you reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. This is because physical activity increases your body's sensitivity to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar from the blood and into body cells (including muscles). This means that insulin works better if your muscles are used to regular exercise. This reduces the concentration of sugar in the blood, which leads to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Muscle and joint disease

When you are physically active regularly, you strengthen your muscles, bones and joints. Physical activity prevents the loss of muscle mass and maintains muscle strength. It improves your functional abilities, i.e. your ability to manage yourself in everyday life and avoid dependence on help from others. This is especially important for older people. Good muscle strength combined with balance and mobility training prevents falls and therefore the risk of bone fractures. In addition, good muscular strength can prevent excessive injuries at work or in your free time. It is important to be physically active regularly during childhood and especially to perform weight-bearing exercises, as this strengthens the bones and prevents the development of osteoporosis later in life.

Cancer

When you are regularly physically active, you reduce your risk of developing colon cancer, breast cancer and uterine cancer. The exact link between physical activity and cancer is unknown. There are indications that it is related to hormones and growth factors in the body.

Excess weight

When you are physically active regularly, you consume more energy and better regulate your appetite. This makes it easier to maintain normal body weight and prevents you from becoming overweight.

Mental health

When you are regularly physically active, you also improve your mental health. It may, for example, improve your mood, sleep patterns, energy, ability to cope with stressful situations, greater joy in life and greater self-confidence. Physical activity also gives you the opportunity to have good social relationships, for example. in connection with exercising in your free time. Finally, there is a lot of evidence that children improve their learning abilities if they are regularly physically active.