Physical Activity - A Healthy Lifestyle Choice

by Scott F. Wildeman, BKIN

Head Personal Trainer – Bay Club
Director – Community Action Team

Physical activity is a very important aspect of leading a full, healthy lifestyle. Every person requires some degree of physical activity, including children to older adults, people with disabilities to elite athletes, and people from all demographic areas. Howley and Franks (1997) list many of the benefits of physical activity, including cardio-vascular fitness, decreasing likelihood of coronary heart disease, increasing muscular strength, bone density, posture, decreasing likelihood of back pain, increasing positive self image, positive self efficacy, and generally well being.

It is not a secret that physical activity is a very important factor in leading a healthy life; yet in North America, heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death (www.hsf.ca 1999). People do understand that physical activity is important, but most do not know where or how to get started. Many times once someone gets started, they do not maintain a healthy level of activity.

It is important to realize that physical activity is important for all people, regardless of sex, age, race, or ability. Many facilities are available in major cities for people from all walks of life. Health Canada (www.hc-sc.gc.ca) and The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology has developed the Canadian Physical Activity Guide (C.S.E.P., 1998) to help all Canadians understand the benefits of physical activity: in the home, work, and in leisure activities (www.csep.ca).

Even with huge national and international movements towards increasing the activity levels of Canada’s citizens, many people (up to 60%) are not active on a regular basis (Iiowley and Franks, 1997).

Barriers to regular physical activity include lack of time, fatigue, inadequate facilities, lack of knowledge, and lack of `willpower’ (Willis and Campbell, 1992).

Lack of time is the most common reason for inactivity. Many people are very busy with careers, education, and family life. Fitting in extra time at a "gym" is seemingly impossible.

The major role of a fitness and wellness consultant in ACTION planning is to give the member the tools to be self sufficient in regards to physical activity. Education about the principles and benefits of physical activity is key. The consultant becomes that member’s personal fitness encyclopedia.

The consultant will need to develop superior rapport with all members. Active listening and empathy for each individual situation is critical. The member will need to trust the consultant as follow up visits and continued communication will be necessary.

It is important to realize that adding physical activity to a sedentary population is a behavior change. Behavior change takes time. Open communication lines are critical, and follow up sessions and the availability of a consultant to answer questions is very important.

Above all else, physical activity must be FUN. Physical activity must be PRODUCTIVE, and it has to be FEASABLE (economically and within time constraints). The member must see the introduction of physical activity as a realistic, worthwhile investment. Motivation of each member is the factor that will maintain the physical activity behavior throughout the member’s life span.

Foss, M.L., and Keteyian, S.J. (1998). Fox’s Physiological Basis for Exercise and

Sport. (6 ed.). San Francisco, CA: WCB McGraw-Hill.

Howley, E.D., and Franks, D.B. (1997). Health Fitness Instructor’s Handbook.

Windsor ON: Human Kinetics.

Willis, J.D., and Campbell, L.F. (1992). Exercise Psychology. Windsor ON:

Human Kinetics.