Why is it important to stay active?

Published: 21 December 2020 - Fitness and Training, Injury Treatment and Prevention

Image of couple running on beach

Who doesn’t like kicking back in the off season and forgetting all about sport and the stress it places on our bodies? While rest is great and vital to recovery, as they say - sometimes too much of a good thing can be bad for you.

Here are our top 4 reasons to stay active!

1. Muscle Atrophy

Have you heard of muscle atrophy? This is the process where muscles lose mass and strength, generally due to lack of physical exercise.

An example of this is anyone who goes to the gym on and off. Simply, the more you workout the stronger you get and if you have periods of time away from the gym, you become weaker.

So remember your physio’s favourite phrase… USE it or LOSE it!

2. Cardiovascular health

Physical exercise is also great for our cardiovascular health and together with lifestyle modifications aids in minimising the risk of health issues such as insulin resistance, type II diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Finding alternative exercises over the off season to your sport is a great way to minimise your risk to these conditions. Ideas to get your daily exercise include social community based sports, walking/jogging, bike riding, swimming… the ideas are limitless!

3. Injury recovery

Exercise helps in the recovery from injuries which is why physiotherapists are always pushing you to move! Exercise assists in strengthening muscles, aids in tissue healing and improves your flexibility.

Further reading: How to find time to workout

Further reading: Five tips for injury-free workouts