There are many education campaigns on the importance of physical activity but still, inactivity is more and more present in industrialized countries such as ours. The human body is designed to move. Our current lifestyle, despite all its positive aspects, has led us to become increasingly sedentary. However, research over the past years has clearly indicated that physical inactivity is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, and that it results in weight gain and osteoporosis, among others.
In light of this, we cannot ignore the importance of physical activity in our life. Daily exercise, healthy eating, stress management, and a good nights’ sleep are all characteristics of a healthy lifestyle, as well as critical factors in maintaining physical and psychological health.
Nevertheless, everyone will agree that it may be difficult sometimes to maintain a healthy lifestyle with our busy schedules. Some people even think that physical exercise must be strenuous and require a lot of time to be beneficial.
Fortunately, that is not the case. Physical activity does not have to be so exhausting in order to be effective. Every small effort will be profitable, especially if you are just starting. Even a few minutes of daily activity can contribute to improve your health and make you feel better.
It is therefore important to remember that physical activity is accessible to everyone. There is no need to spend hours at the gym, or to run one marathon every year to remain active. Several simple gestures may contribute to a healthier lifestyle:
• Use staircases rather than elevators;
• Park your car at a ten-minute walk from where you need to go;
• Dance to your favourite music;
• Avoid taking the car for short distances, and walk, ride your bicycle or rollerskate;
• Spend less time in front of the TV, or the computer;
• Be active with your kids;
• Make use of your neighbourhood bicycle paths or walking trails.
To encourage you to maintain a healthy lifestyle, AGF Group has partnered with two well-known fitness clubs (Énergie Cardio and Goodlife Fitness) so that you can benefit from interesting membership rebates. AGF has also put in place a policy regarding expenses pertaining to physical activity. Thus, AGF Group could reimburse a portion of your subscription to one or more recognized physical activities according to the conditions specified in the policy.
We invite you to contact your Director to find out more about the policy.
This year, think about yourself: think healthy!
