Nearly everyone in the world needs to exercise more. This is not something we don’t know, but there are good reasons to remind people of the dangers of inactivity.
High blood pressure is a common health problem globally that can often be life-threatening. In the UAE, more than a third of adults have hypertension, but the majority are unaware they have it. This is part of the reason why hypertension is called the silent killer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four men suffer from this condition, which can lead to a variety of health crises, including stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease. The more positive news is that the disease can be prevented or mitigated by eating wisely, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.
These lifestyle changes are often difficult to achieve in the long term, but you can incorporate healthy habits and exercise into your daily life.
Let’s start by remembering why we should all exercise more: The WHO recommends at least 150 minutes (about two and a half hours) of moderate exercise per week, but studies show that more than 80% of adolescents and 27% of adults worldwide do not meet this standard.
In the UAE, only one in five school children achieves the recommended amount of physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle leads to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, and this is an issue that parents need to take more seriously. More parents must ensure that their children play sports outside for at least 30 minutes a day.
NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) encourages students to prioritize and engage with their health so they can thrive not only academically but also in their extracurricular activities. All undergraduates at the school are required to take two courses: Physical Education and Health Education. The benefits are clear.
The curriculum, which focuses on a wide range of learning outcomes across four areas – physical activity, nutrition, mindfulness and sleep – has resulted in measurable improvements in students’ health and fitness as well as many other areas.
These are principles that are likely to hold up throughout your life. Firstly, exercise doesn’t just help prevent disease: it helps release endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals that can combat anxiety and depression, leading to improved mental clarity and focus.
When you stress your endocrine system, your body responds by regulating itself through better sleep and rest, repairing itself, and growing new cells.
Team sports also have many benefits, including providing an outlet for social interaction and fostering a sense of belonging and community – which is especially important today given that the WHO reports that depression and anxiety have increased by more than 25% since 2020, affecting almost one billion people worldwide.
Group camaraderie also combats loneliness, which is on the rise and has been shown to be as detrimental to physical health as smoking. Belonging to a team or group provides an invaluable support system, especially in countries with a diverse population from different backgrounds who are often far from their families.
Exercise is a personal journey, but there are steps that can help everyone.
The first is to reframe our language around exercise: Instead of emphasizing weight loss as the sole motivator, we should celebrate the joy of exercise.
People are encouraged to find activities that they truly enjoy, such as brisk walking, swimming, dance classes, outdoor games, etc. Exercise isn’t just for people who want to lose weight; it should be a daily habit for everyone.
It is generally recommended to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week to develop a regular habit. Good habits are essential to the success of any venture. Beyond physical health, exercise often has a positive impact on many other aspects of life, including work and relationships. People who are new to exercise will notice increased energy at work.
Group activities add to the enjoyment, so people of all ages can consider joining a local sports club or signing up for a local fitness event. Abu Dhabi has plenty of activities to take part in for people of all fitness levels, appealing to those looking for an alternative to training at the gym.
There are many accessible runs and cycle trips organised through Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s Abu Dhabi 360 initiative, such as the Arcana Community Run and MBZ Fun Ride, as well as a number of Active Parks initiatives and community events accompanying global sporting events held in Abu Dhabi, such as the World Triathlon Championship Series and UAE Tour.
My personal favourite way to get fit is to take advantage of the cycling facilities at Yas Marina Circuit, the Corniche, Hodayriyat Island and the growing cycling infrastructure across the city. In Abu Dhabi there are options for everyone to get in a fitness workout.
We also encourage you to sign up for challenges, which will help keep you accountable. Setting and sharing goals increases your chances of success and makes it easier to deal with dips in motivation.
Remember, too, that it’s well-being we’re talking about, which might mean getting out in nature, watching the sunset on the beach, or sitting by the mangroves and letting your mind wander.
Breathing exercises are also particularly effective. Apart from exercise and burning calories, it is important to focus on inner well-being, which helps you refocus, calm your mind and reduce stress – all of which is necessary to improve quality of life, reduce high blood pressure and ease the strain on healthcare systems around the world.
Reframing the conversation about health and well-being starts with recognizing that every step counts. It’s not about making drastic changes, it’s about incorporating exercise into your daily life. The goal is not just to avoid illness, but to improve your well-being and transform your life.
Release Date: June 6, 2024, 7am
