Health
Why is exercise healthy? n n
Some physiological benefits: q Increased production of endorphins q Improved agility q Improved bone density q Improved strength and flexibility
Psychosocial benefits include: q Feel less stressed and anxious q Better work performance and attitudes q More positive self-concept
Intro & Measuremt
Benefits of
Intro &
Physical Activity Measuremt
2
3
1
Broader View of PA Benefits
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How Much PA is Necessary?
Basic Requirements:
30 min or more of moderate intensity PA performed on most days of the week
Ø ACSM guidelines
Health benefits are related to effort:
Additional benefits are associated with increased intensity or duration of the activity Intro & Measuremt
5
W.H.O. Guidelines n n
Suggests 30 min only useful to reduce risk of
CVD, DM, cancer
Recommendation for maintenance of healthy body weight q q
1 Hr of moderate-intensity activity on most days of the week
Particularly for people with sedentary occupations
(like students!)
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2
n
n
Recommends that to achieve health benefits, adults need to accumulate 30-60 minutes of
PA most days of the week, preferably every day. There should be a mix of endurance activities
(those that work the heart and lungs), flexibility activities, and strength activities
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The State of Active Living in Canada n Epidemiological data indicate that only 37% of Canadian adults participate in regular PA
n
63% of the population can be classified as sedentary Intro & Measuremt
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3
Sedentary Lifestyles – Similar in U.S.
% over 18 y.o. engaging in moderate PA at least 5 days / wk
% vigorous activity
25
16.5
% insufficient activity
45
% no leisure time PA
25
*US CDC, 2001
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Are People Aware of the
Benefits of PA?
Ask physically active and inactive individuals about their knowledge and beliefs about PA q Do they differ?
Godin, Cox, and Shephard Intro & Measuremt
(1984)
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4
Are People Aware of the
Benefits of PA?
Inactive people agree with active people that
PA can be used to…
control
body weight more healthy
relieve tension
improve physical appearance
feel better
meet people
be
Yet they don’t exercise !!!
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Importance of Psychology of PA n n
n
PA has many health benefits, so challenge is to help a large segment of population become active
Need to understand and modify exercise behaviour, influence public opinion, motivate people, change their attitudes
Psychology is devoted to understanding human behaviour
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Defining Psychology of PA n Field devoted to an understanding of: q Individual attitudes, cognitions (mental thoughts), and behaviours in the context of physical activity and exercise n q
n
q
E.g., barriers to exercise, self-talk
The social factors that influence those attitudes, cognitions, and behaviours
E.g., age, gender, culture
Also what are the mental health benefits of PA? n Depression, stress
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5
Why You & Psych of PA??
you exercise, but…
n
We know that
n
Most Canadians don’t
If your goal is to have a career in the helping/health professions, you need to learn how to motivate your clients to adopt and maintain a PA regimen, so they can reap the psychological benefits of exercise too! n
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Physical Activity and
Psychological Health - Mood
Interpreting Research:An Example
£
£
£
£
50 experimental studies vary in:
35 studies show ↑ fitness = ↓ anxiety
10 show fitness is unrelated to anxiety
5 show that ↑ fitness = ↑ anxiety
Intro & Measuremt