Are you part of the 20%?
As we journey through the mid-year mark, it's a perfect time to reflect on our health and wellness goals. At My Pilates Studio, we are committed to fostering a community that values the benefits of regular exercise. Unfortunately, current statistics reveal a concerning trend: only about 20% of the population is meeting the recommended levels of physical activity.
The Reality Check: Exercise Participation Rates
Recent research highlights a sobering reality - despite the well-documented benefits of regular physical activity, a significant portion of the population remains inactive. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 4 adults globally does not meet the recommended levels of physical activity.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that only about 20% of adults engage in the recommended amount of both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Similarly, a Canadian study by ParticipACTION found that only 16% of Canadian adults achieve the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week.
The Benefits of Regular Exercise
Understanding the critical importance of regular exercise is paramount. Engaging in consistent physical activity has numerous benefits, including:
Improved Cardiovascular Health: Regular exercise helps to lower blood pressure, improve heart function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Enhanced Mental Well-being: Physical activity is known to boost mood, reduce anxiety, and help combat depression through the release of endorphins.
Weight Management: Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight by burning calories and building muscle mass.
Increased Strength and Flexibility: Activities like Pilates enhance muscle strength, flexibility and balance, which are essential for overall physical health and injury prevention.
Recommended Exercise for Adults
For optimal health, adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (walking, hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, running), or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic (or anaerobic) activity (HIIT, plyometrics, heavy weight lifting, sprinting, calisthenics (bodyweight exercises like Pilates Matwork), each week.
Additionally, muscle-strengthening activities involving major muscle groups (Pilates (especially with springs), dance, heavy gardening, climbing stairs, lifting weights, working with resistance bands), should be performed on two or more days a week.
Breaking Down Barriers to Exercise
I recognize that there are numerous barriers that prevent people from incorporating regular exercise into their routines. Some of these include time constraints, lack of motivation and limited access to facilities due to financial reasons. My mission is to address these challenges by providing a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages regular participation in physical activity. More on this in my next post.
How My Pilates Studio Can Help
Small Class Sizes: We offer a variety of classes tailored to different fitness levels and goals. Our small class sizes ensure that instructors can pay close attention to each participant, providing guidance and support as needed.
Flexible Scheduling: With classes offered at various times throughout the day, we make it easier for you to fit exercise into your busy schedule.
Community Support: Join a community of like-minded individuals who are on the same journey towards better health. Our group classes foster a sense of camaraderie and motivation.
Affordable Options: To make exercise accessible to everyone, we offer New Client Offers and frequent Sales, providing affordable options to start and maintain your fitness journey.
Private Sessions: For those seeking personalized attention, we offer Private Sessions that focus on your unique fitness needs and goals, ensuring a customized and effective workout experience.
Join Us Today!
I encourage everyone to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle. Whether you are already a member or considering joining us, now is the perfect time to commit to regular exercise. Let’s work together to increase that 20% and make a positive impact on our community’s health.
To learn more about our class schedules and membership options, visit us here on our website or simply send me an email: info@mypilatesstudio.ca and I’ll help you find the right program for you.
As always, thank you for choosing My Pilates Studio, as your studio!
Melissa
Sources:
World Health Organization. (2020). Physical Activity. Retrieved from WHO.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Physical Activity Facts. Retrieved from CDC.
ParticipACTION. (2020). The ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults. Retrieved from ParticipACTION.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. Retrieved from Health.gov.
By emphasizing the current statistics and highlighting the benefits of regular exercise, this blog post aims to inspire and motivate the members of My Pilates Studio to prioritize their physical health and well-being.
