Regular activity is proven to protect your health in many ways. It can reduce your risk of major illnesses (and reduce complications of these if you have them), such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.
Moving more can also:
1. Boost your mental health through confidence building and improved self-esteem. Group activity is also a great opportunity to meet people and have fun.
2. Make you feel better, function better, and sleep better. Even one session of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reduces anxiety, and even short bouts of physical activity are beneficial.
3. Keep your joints and muscles moving well. If your joints are stiff or sore, gentle movement can give relief and restore their proper use. It also helps to keep your muscles strong. Strong muscles support your body and bones better. When you are stronger, you move and support your weight better so you become less prone to injury.
4. Support your natural pain-relief systems. Your body begins to respond better to painkilling signals when you are active regularly. You also are more likely to get a feel-good boost after an activity when it is part of your body’s routine. Staying strong makes you better able to deal with the physical demands of daily life.
5. Help you to regulate your hormones and reduce symptoms of menopause in your middle years and beyond
Evidence also shows that women who are more active have more confidence, higher self-esteem, less anxiety, less stress and better social skills – attributes that can help you deal with the challenges you face in daily life. Positive attitudes towards physical activity have also been associated with being happier.
We know that generally everyone understands that “moving more” could improve their health and wellbeing, many are not confident in knowing what they can do, and how to start – click for some specially selected options that may be right for you!
Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership – Women’s Wellness (sasp.co.uk)