There’s a lot of focus on the long-term health benefits of physical activity, writes exercise physiologist CARLY LUFF. But there are other positives to consider.  

When we talk about exercise, we often focus on the health benefits of being active. These benefits might include long-term things like glucose management, lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol and weight management.  

While positive long-term health outcomes might be motivating for some, for others they might not seem that important. Or maybe it seems that going for a walk rather than relaxing on the couch after a long day isn’t going to make much difference.  

Being active in a way that suits you 

Like there is no one way of eating that suits everyone, there is no one way of being active. And you don’t need to change your whole lifestyle to see the benefits of doing a little more exercise, which can be enormous.  

I recently saw an advert that focussed on an older gentleman lifting a heavy kettlebell (this is essentially a weight with a round handle.) He struggles at first, because any new activity can be a challenge. His family are concerned, which just shows how society thinks older people should be taking it easy.

But over time he commits and practises. And his body gets stronger.

At the end of the advert, we see what he was training for: to lift his granddaughter up to put the star on the family Christmas tree. As someone who has seen how much better people can feel after getting more active, this advert brought a tear to my eye and got me thinking. 

Yes, we can focus on being active to manage health factors, but what does good health actually mean?  

For me, it might mean feeling stronger so everyday activities are easier, showing my five-year-old son how I can still do a cartwheel and improving my mood.  

Later on in life, it will mean being able to run around with my grandkids, going on active holidays and being able to walk around all day, which I really love, as well as maintaining my independence around the home.  

For you, it might mean something completely different.

The importance of strength training 

Lately I have noticed an increased focus lately on strength training, with more people talking about how it has improved their quality of life.  

Currently, 73% of people in Australia do not engage in adequate strength/resistance training. I used to be one of them, even though I knew better.  

Adding a walk, swim or ride to your routine can be an easier choice as it is familiar. Strength training, on the other hand, can seem totally foreign and overwhelming if you haven’t done it before.  

Remember, though, that you don’t need to join a gym to lift weights, although using machines that guide you through the movement can feel easier to begin with.  

You can start at home with some light dumbbells or a kettlebell or go to a smaller gym that has classes and support.  

So, before getting on with your day, have a think about what feeling stronger can allow you to do, or keep doing, as you get older. 

And let us know if we can help. 

Would you like to find an exercise program that works for you? 

Spring is a wonderful time to start a new exercise routine.

Here at Diabetes WA, we have two exercise physiologists who have done further studies in diabetes.

While ‘exercise physiologist’ may sound daunting, what this means is that we are health professionals who can work with you to design an exercise program that suits you and your lifestyle.

You can book an in-person or Telehealth appointment. 

Visit our Clinic page to find out more.