The Evolution of Exercise and Physical

activity

“The body achieves what the mind believes.”

 INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS PHYSICAL
 ACTIVITY?
Physical activity is a movement of the body that uses muscles for an activity
that is more than at rest. Examples of physical activity are walking, jogging,
dancing, swimming, performing yoga and gardening.

 Physical activity is any form of human movement that leads to working of

muscles and any exertion that is higher than the basal metabolism. Aerobic,
calisthenics, gymnastics, breathing and relaxation, walking, jogging, dancing,
swimming, gardening and performing arts and Yoga are a few examples of
physical activity.
 Importance of exercise
• Physical activity lowers the chances of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and
dementia and several forms of cancer.

• Strength of muscles and endurance can be enhanced in a better way.

• Improve your memory power.

• Mood Improvement: In addition, more proof has shown that during exercise,
endorphins or feel-good hormones are released and are so crucial especially in
the reduction of stress, anxiety as well as depression.

• Cognitive Function: Exercise is known to enhance those processes in the brain

and is also beneficial in memory, concentration and new things that is learnt in
class.

• Community and Connection: In this aspect, Group exercises or team sports are
very important as they make consistent social interaction, hence enhancing
 Changes in Physical activity
Physical activity has been a part of human history since prehistoric times, and has been
influenced by many factors, including culture, religion, and the rise of organized sports.

One has to state that the concept of exercising is rather different now comparing to the
years ago because of the increased concern rising from the population in relation to the
physical training and fitness. Indeed, exercise is one of the most emphasized concepts in
the context of preventive measures for various diseases and as a measure to manage
various acute and chronic conditions.

As is often the case in early history of humankind, physical activity is a successor of

movements that are required to hunt for food. This intrinsic need was a survival issue as
people had to navigate, climb, fight, and otherwise maneuver to acquire food, avoid other
predators, develop tools and survive.

Nonetheless, with such calls for practice in physical exercise, modern-day vices like a
sedentary lifestyle existing. Environment and psychological factors affect the physical
activity and Passenger interactions data during COVID 19 restrictions presented seriously
fluctuations of physical activity among the passengers of different age.
 Historical & cultural changes in
physical activity
Other cultural factors that affect perception include culture–
prescribed practices which are, inter alia, exercise. Individuals of
various cultural activities are involved in exercise to varying
degrees in their day-to-day undertakings in society. For instance,
cultural norms may require or reject exercising that post a powerful
statement to the minds of people concerning the aspect of exercise
in boosting well-being.

Research shows that the effects of cultural values suggest dramatic

disparities in the levels of physical activity. For instance,
comparative research proved that European youths are different in
their levels of activity and it has something to do with culture.
 Rise of Sedentary Lifestyles
Environmental Influences
Employment settings of the contemporary societies encourage people to be inactive. Sedentary jobs
which involve sitting for most of the working day, that is accompanied by the use of technology,
results to low incidence of physical activity at the workplace. This is even worsened by the design of
urbanization that makes it difficult for people to practice active living such as walking, cycling or
exercising.

Lifestyle Choices
Some of the possible psychological reasons which can lead to the avoidance of moderate-intensity
physical activities include conscious decision-making to avoid engaging in physical activities such as
walking or cycling due to convenience in preferring sedentary activities such as watching television
or playing video games. The increase in the engagement of such leisure activities that in one way or
the other involves minimal physical exertion results into reduced levels of physical activity.

Health Implications
Sedentary lifestyle through the decrease in physical activity and the increase in sedentary behaviour
is reciprocally associated with a number of health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes,
cardiovascular diseases etc. This indicates that inactivity resulting from a sedentary lifestyle is likely
to cause higher morbidity as well as mortality on account of the chronic diseases. This is why there is
a need for chiropractic interventions particularly in encouraging an active lifestyle to reduce these
 Global initiatives to promote fitness and well-being

These are some initiatives taken on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to promote
fitness and well-being.

• Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030

Objective: To find ways of lowering physical inactivity from existing 31% to 16% by the year
2030.

• Strategies:

• Active Societies: Encourage the development of socially acceptable physical activity

behaviors.

• Active Environments: Design settings that allow easy and safe movement (e.g., locations
for walking or play such as parks).

• Active People: Explain to people the importance of at least modest exercise regimes in
their schedules.
 Combating sedentary lifestyles and promoting
physical health around the world
Examining the decrease of physical activity in different countries provides
valuable insights:

We have chosen these countries to display our research:

• United kingdom

• Japan

• South Africa
 United Kingdom
Below are some of the measures that have been put in place and effective
strategies as well as initiatives that have be taken to reduce the sitting culture
and encourage the practice of exercise in the United Kingdom. Here's how the
UK is addressing this issue:
 Government Policies and Strategies a. towards an active nation
sport England's strategy

 Objective: In an attempt to increase physical activity especially

among those who would require additional motivation, more
individuals should hence be encouraged to exercise regularly.
Key Initiatives:

 Community Projects: Providing grants to such local initiatives that

support active living where it is most needed.

 Impact: Concentrates on looking for ways of limiting obstacles to

physical activity and fostering settings that are conducive to an
active lifestyle.
 Japan
Consequently, Japan has a different approach to the promotion of sports through
combining social and cultural factors, governmental support, companies, and a
successful attempt to engage the population. Below is an overview of Japan's
approach to sports promotion:

Government Support and policy implements

 Sports policy: The Japanese government has well developed sports policies to
enhance physical education and sports at all levels. The latest law is the Basic
Act on Sport which was enacted in the year 2011 as an attempt to raise the
standard of living of the people by promoting sporting activities.

 Through international events like the Tokyo Olympics in the years 1964 and the
most recent one of 2020, Japan focused largely on the field of sports. These
events also became the major call for the formation of the national spirit of
sports and the encouragement of more people in exercising throughout the
country.
 South Africa
In South Africa, the expanding epidemic of non-communicable
diseases is partly fueled by high levels of physical inactivity and
sedentary behavior.
 Most elderly people in South Africa can recall physical
education in reference to apartheid education system.
There was a time when what one had in PE was
predetermined by his or her race. White students often
used clean and modern sports amenities, while Black
students got whatever was necessary, and sometimes
 Structured Lessons: All the schools in South Africa are
nothing at all.
required to set aside the specific number of hours in a week
for the teaching of Physical Education. These lessons help
in developing the students motor skills, fitness, and
appreciation of health and physical education. Besides daily
physical classes, many schools have operations of extra co-
curricular activities like athletics, soccer, net ball, cricket,
rugby and swimming. Such programs allow students
 National perspective
Increasing physical activity in children is an important public health goal in India.
Schools may be a target for physical activity promotion, but little is known about
outdoor school environments. A movement called the “FIT India movement”:

FIT INDIA Movement was launched on 29th August, 2019 by Honorable Prime
Minister with a view to make fitness an integral part of our daily lives. The
mission of the Movement is to bring about behavioral changes and move
towards a more physically active lifestyle.
This movement focused towards these points:
• To promote fitness as easy, fun and free.
• To spread awareness on fitness and various physical activities
that promote fitness through focused campaigns.
• To encourage indigenous sports.
• To make fitness reach every school, college/university,
panchayat/village, etc.
• To create a platform for citizens of India to share information,
drive awareness and encourage sharing of personal fitness
stories.
 course of action:
Here are some courses of action the government may take to promote physical activity and combat
sedentary lifestyles:

1. Safe Walking and Cycling Infrastructure: Construct and preserve sidewalks, bike lanes and
pedestrian crossings so that walking and cycling should be safer and more attractive.

2. Active Travel Campaigns: Campaign for car owners of the community to adopt the habit of taking a
walk, cycling or moving around in public transport as a way of avoiding the small distance drives.

3. Active Classroom Strategies: Incorporate activities such as the use of standing desks and the
implementation of learning breaks to minimize students’ stay in one position during lessons.

4. Enhanced Physical Education (PE): As sure that PE classes are interesting, accessible, and
dedicated to action skills that can be used for a lifetime instead of concentrating solely on sports.

5. Walking School Buses: Organize groups of children to walk to school together with adult
supervision, promoting safety and social interaction.
From: Kiara, Diya, Ahad, Rishi, Ghaatha