Selecting Physical Activity

 Selecting Physical Activity

    There are many things to keep in mind when selecting physical activity. It is recommended that young adults engage in 60 minutes of physical activity everyday. When selecting what you will do, it is important to consider these questions:

1. Which components of physical fitness do you need/want to improve? 

2. What types of activities do you enjoy? 

3. Why types of activities help you manage your stress? 

4. What sports skills do you have? 

5. Would you like to participate with others in these activities or on your own? 

6. Where are your chosen activities offered? 

7. Will you need special equipment or facilities to participate in your chosen activity? 

Things to Consider When Choosing Physical Activity

    You'll want to keep your health conditions in mind when choosing your physical activity. Health conditions may limit the type of activities and how vigorously you can do them. You also need to consider your personality and attitude. It is important to consider whether you prefer a team or individual activity, and if you want a casual or competitive environment. You should also consider why you're choosing to participate in an activity. For example, if you're using physical activity as a way to manage stress, competitive activities may not be the best choice. You should also consider your environment. Temperature, humidity, air pollution, traffic, and other things can affect your choice. Choose an activity that will be safe. Finally, you should consider the cost. Things like jogging and hiking have little to no cost. Taking lessons for something would cost. Also, consider the availability of needed facilities. If you want to swim but don't have access to a pool, you probably have to choose a different activity. 

Weather Concerns

    Hot and cold weather poses problems as well. Hot weather can cause things like Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke, and Heat Cramps. If you have heat exhaustion or heat cramps, drink water and move to a cooler environment. Take a cold shower if you can. If you have heat stroke, call 911. Use ice packs and a cold shower until the emergency staff arrives. In cold weather, hypothermia and frostbite can happen. If you have either of these, go indoors if possible and seek medical attention immediately.

Caloric Balance

    Caloric balance is a comparison between how many calories you burn and how many calories you consume daily. The first way your body burns calories is by maintaining your heartbeat, digesting your food, creating new cells, and all other processes that keep your body alive and well. The number of calories burned per day in keeping your body alive is called the basal metabolic rate. The second way your body burns calories is through physical activity. This does not necessarily need to be through playing sports or going to the gym. Activities such as vacuuming, dancing, and gardening are everyday activities that burn calories. If you want to maintain your current weight, the number of calories you burn must be the same number you consume. If you want to lose weight, the number of calories you burn must be greater than the number you consume. If you want to gain weight, the number of calories you burn must be less than the number you consume. One pound of fat is equal to 3,500 calories. Do not cut your calories dramatically. That can cause health problems. 

Conclusion

    There are many things to consider when selecting your physical activity. Most of all, however, make sure you enjoy your activity. Have fun doing your physical activity!

Works Cited

https://ccsd.instructure.com/courses/1420975/pages/m4-lesson-1-selecting-physical-activities?module_item_id=23271188

https://ccsd.instructure.com/courses/1420975/pages/m4-lesson-2-considerations-in-activity-choice?module_item_id=23271189

https://ccsd.instructure.com/courses/1420975/pages/m4-lesson-3-weather-considerations?module_item_id=23271190

https://ccsd.instructure.com/courses/1420975/pages/m4-lesson-4-physical-activity-and-caloric-balance?module_item_id=23271192