Your body is destined to move

The human body is made to move. Do you remember that pleasing feeling after a run or exercise? The body is a fascinating organism that functions at its best when it is active: by acknowledging it, you will appreciate it, even more, treat it better and move more often.

7 amazing facts about the human body

Your body is a complex system. Did you know those fascinating facts about the average adult’s body?

1. there are approximately 37.2 trillion cells in the body.

2. there are about 5.5 litres of blood and about 10 litres of interstitial fluid in the body.

3. the body is made of about 7 octillion (48 zeros) atoms.

4. the heart beats about 100,000 times a day.

5. the lungs have a surface area of about 70 square metres.

6. you blink about 10 times per minute.

7. the body needs about 12 hours to digest food.

If you could look inside your body, you would immediately realise that your organism is constantly in motion, even when you sleep. With an active lifestyle, you will facilitate its natural functions. Inactivity, however, can have negative consequences.

Consequences of a chronic lack of physical activity

Chronic physical inactivity can have negative consequences. Among other things, it can induce the following symptoms:

– Decrease in bone density

– Stiffening of joints

– Muscle weakness

– Weakening of the heart and lungs

– Degeneration of cellular energy systems

The abovementioned consequences are typical in the elderly. At a later age, targeted physiotherapeutic exercises are necessary to keep the body moving at least a minimum. But even a healthy person can develop complaints due to inactivity. An example illustrates this: When you sit down, there is an interruption in the electrical activity of the leg muscles, and calorie burning reduces considerably: it can be as low as one calorie, depending on your height, weight, gender, and fitness level. If you sit for more than two hours, HDL level and good cholesterol concentration drop by 20 %. The risk of developing diabetes increases significantly, and the risk of death rises by 40 %.

Physical inactivity: the fourth leading cause of death

Lack of exercise is one of the biggest health risks in the western world. According to the WHO, it is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. An estimated 3.2 million deaths around the globe are due to the consequences of physical inactivity. It’s time to get more active – if you aren’t already. You can benefit from it in many ways.

Here’s how you benefit from regular exercise

Staying active is proven to benefit your body and mind. Here are some examples of the benefits of regular physical activity:

– You lower your blood pressure

– You optimise your blood sugar level

– You have a lower heart rate at rest

– Your body fat is reduced

– You improve your immune system

– Your muscle strength is increased

– You have more endurance

– You improve cardiorespiratory function

– You increase your flexibility

– You contribute to joint health

– You can think better

– You sleep better

Just a few minutes of exercise per day activates your metabolism. You also reduce the risk of developing depression. A healthier body also improves self-esteem. Your body has more than 600 muscles: you are designed to move in many different ways, and you should take advantage of it: Feel the power in physical movement!

Keep on moving

It doesn’t matter whether you cycle a few laps, go for a long walk, dance, or go to the gym: it’s your choice how to exercise regularly. A good romp outdoors with the kids or a stroll in the park with friends will benefit your health. Everyday life sometimes doesn’t allow much time for sports: incorporate exercise into your daily routine cleverly. For example, you can cycle to work or take a walk during your lunch break. If you sit at your desk most of the time, get up every hour and stretch, or use the stairwell in the office building to stay fit.

It’s time to get active and reap the benefits of regular exercise. Let’s go!

Your Humanoo Team