Abstract

Physical activity has been widely recognized as one of the primary determinants that proliferates positive psychophysiological health in individuals. Despite the numerous benefits of engaging in physical activity, a majority of the global population continues to be physically inactive or sedentary. The aim of this brief commentary is to capture the benefits of engaging in regular physical activity across the life span. In particular, this paper will highlight the benefits of engaging in regular physical activity with respect to age, gender, atypical populations, and lifestyle. Future research and recommendations have also been addressed.

Highlights

  • Despite the well-established benefits of engaging in regular physical activity [1,2], recent trends have revealed that a large proportion of the global population is increasingly becoming sedentary [3,4], which has been associated with increased risks for several chronic conditions and mortality [5,6,7]

  • It is primarily recommended that children and youth aged 5–17 years ought to engage in at least 60 min of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per day; adults aged 18–64 years ought to do at least 150 min of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity on a weekly basis or do at least 75 min of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity in a week or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous intensity activity; and adults aged 65 years and above ought to do at least 150 min of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity in a week or do at least 75 min of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity on a weekly basis or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous intensity activity [13]

  • It has been found that females who engage in low intensity physical activity report higher self-esteem and quality of life as compared to females who participate in high intensity physical activity [122]

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Summary

Introduction

Despite the well-established benefits of engaging in regular physical activity [1,2], recent trends have revealed that a large proportion of the global population is increasingly becoming sedentary [3,4], which has been associated with increased risks for several chronic conditions and mortality [5,6,7]. Despite the clear practical recommendations that exist and explosion of research reporting on the benefits of engaging in regular physical activity, recent research suggests that it is no longer sufficient to meet these recommendations to address health needs and lower health risks [14]. Motivation research pertaining to physical activity has received substantial consideration, other determinants have received scant attention. The purpose of this brief commentary, is to encapsulate the benefits of engaging in regular physical activity across the life span. This paper will highlight the benefits of engaging in regular physical activity with respect to age, gender, atypical populations, and lifestyle

Physical Activity across Age Groups
Physical Activity and Gender
Physical Activity across Atypical Population
Physical Activity and Lifestyle
Discussion
Conclusions

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