Dr Shilpa Ellur is a Senior Reproductive Medicine Consultant at Milann Fertility Hospital, Whitefield, with 14 years experience in Reproductive medicine and infertility and 18years experience in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She is a member of FOGSI, BSOG,IMA & AMC. Her main objective is always been to deliver quality healthcare for women dealing with infertility. She has presented several papers and won a prize in National Endocrine Conference-Mumbai on topic ‘Effect of Hypothyroidism in Male and female infertility ‘.
Sedentary behavior is rapidly becoming a major public health concern. Despite being connected to a variety of chronic health issues, sedentary lifestyles appear to be becoming more common in many countries. According to research, just 21% of adults meet the physical activity standards, and less than 5% of persons engage in 30 minutes of physical exercise per day. Physical activity is essential for both physical and emotional well-being. It aids in the improvement of overall health and fitness, the maintenance of a healthy weight, the prevention of many chronic diseases, and the promotion of good mental health.
Effects of a Sedentary Lifestyle
People leading an inactive lifestyle burn fewer calories. This makes them more likely to gain weight. They may lose muscle strength and endurance, because they are not using their muscles as much. Their bones may get weaker and lose some mineral content too. Sedentary lifestyles also affect the metabolism and the body may start to have more trouble breaking down fats and sugars. It weakens the immune system, affects the blood circulation in the body, cause moreinternal inflammation and give rise to hormonal imbalances in the body.
Sedentary Lifestyle and Modern Women’s Health
While there have been multiple studies and research instances that have found that leading a sedentary lifestyle can pose various health threats, there have been a significant number of health issues that women face today. Sedentary lifestyles could incident a number of cardiovascular challenges in women. It could also cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol and increased feelings of depression and anxiety. A study published in the BioMedCentral research journal also emphasizes that sedentary behavior in pregnant women may have an impact on both mother and child’s pregnancy outcomes.
Reasons for Increasing Sedentary Lifestyles in Women
There are multiple reasons why women struggle with exercise. Lack of time, lack of motivation, etc. are a few of these reasons. Let us now discuss why these issues are challenges for women wanting to exercise and lead a healthier life and how to combat them.
Lack of Motivation
Some women claim that without a training partner, they are unmotivated. Others believe that exercise must be difficult, sweaty, and grueling in order to be beneficial (which is not true). Find a workout partner if you’re feeling this way. For information on workout groups in your area, you might also contact your local council or community centre. You could, for example, join a local walking group. Don’t limit yourself to gyms and running. You might enjoy dancing or roller-skating, or you might explore for applications to connect with others who enjoy similar activities.
Lack of Time
Many modern women struggle to find time for themselves when juggling child-rearing, domestic obligations, and paid work. When you have the opportunity, try to exercise. Over the course of the day, three 10-minute bouts of physical activity provide the same health advantages as a continuous 30-minute session. Exercise DVDs are a convenient method to get some exercise in during a busy day. Including activities with your children, such as strolling to the store or playing at the park, is another excellent way to keep active.
Lack of Energy
Fatigue is a side effect of a fast-paced lifestyle. Mothers are frequently exhausted. Regular exercise provides you with the energy you need to deal with the stresses of everyday life. If you keep this in mind, you might be able to push through the exhaustion you experience during your first few weeks of regular exercise.
Parent Demands
Many women take on various obligations, such as caring for children and elderly relatives, as well as meal preparation and cleaning. Share child-rearing and home responsibilities with your partner or friends as much as possible. Perhaps your relatives can assist, or perhaps paid childcare is a possibility. See if any of your pals are interested in trading childcare. Physical movement is vital for both young and old people, therefore include it in your care.
Health Issues
Many women take on various obligations, such as caring for children and elderly relatives, as well as meal preparation and cleaning. Share child-rearing and home responsibilities with your partner or friends as much as possible. Perhaps your relatives can assist, or perhaps paid childcare is a possibility. See if any of your pals are interested in trading childcare. Physical movement is vital for both young and old people, therefore include it in your care.
Summing Up
Many people do not reach the recommended levels of physical exercise and are at danger of acquiring health problems as a result of spending too much time inactive. People can lessen the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle by increasing their physical activity and employing the measures outlined above to limit the amount of time they spend sitting.
Women can start by believing that it’s never too late to start exercising. According to studies, just two to three months of regular exercise can result in considerable health benefits for seniors. Additionally, if one begins to be physically active on a daily basis, their body will continue to benefit from exercise long into your 80s.