Lack of exercise in Germany: causes, consequences and tips

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Lack of exercise is becoming increasingly common in Germany. This can have serious consequences for our physical and mental health. In this article, we look at the issue of lack of exercise and show how to counteract it.

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More and more people are suffering from a lack of exercise in this country as well.

When do we talk about a lack of exercise?

According to the WHO, almost 500 million people will suffer the consequences of a lack of exercise between 2020 and 2030. Nevertheless, many people are not aware of when one speaks of acute lack of exercise or what lack of exercise actually means. Lack of exercise is understood to mean an inactive lifestyle in which no or only minimal physical activity is performed. This can have many consequences for health, including weight gain, increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and even weakened bones. Although exercise means different things to different people, in general, it can be said that a lack of exercise is present when a person rarely engages in physical activity.

For many people living in the modern world, regular exercise can be challenging due to their busy schedules and competing priorities. However, it is essential to stay active if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It's not easy to balance regular exercise with other aspects of life such as work and family, but with the help of some strategies, it's possible to schedule specific days each week for physical activity or opt for less intense activities when time allows. In addition, a treadmill can help prevent an inactive lifestyle. You can find a wide selection of treadmills at www.laufband.org.

The causes of lack of exercise

There are many factors that lead to a lack of physical activity in this country. One of the main causes is the increase in sedentary lifestyles due to technological advances. With televisions, computers and smartphones, people don't have to move as much as they used to in order to perform everyday tasks. This is seen especially in younger society. Over 80% of young people between the ages of 11 and 17 need to move more. Another factor is increasing stress levels, which can lead people to prioritize their work over leisure activities like going to the gym or taking a walk. Feeling overwhelmed or struggling with mental health issues can also lead to someone not being motivated to be physically active. Ultimately, something as simple as taking a walk after dinner or taking the stairs instead of the elevator can make the difference between an inactive and active lifestyle.

The consequences of physical inactivity are devastating

Lack of exercise can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health. Physically, lack of exercise increases the risk of obesity and other cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol. It also weakens our muscles, which can lead to joint pain and even chronic conditions like arthritis. On a mental level, lack of exercise can make us feel lethargic and unmotivated, which in turn can lead to anxiety or depression.

These symptoms indicate a lack of exercise

Exercise is an important part of our daily routine, and lack of exercise can have serious consequences. Common symptoms associated with inactivity or lack of exercise include chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pain, limited mobility, and even shortness of breath. When we are physically inactive, our bodies do not receive the stimulation they need to function optimally. When any of these symptoms are noticed, it is important to recognize them as warning signs that the body needs more physical activity. Taking the time each day to incorporate at least some form of exercise into your life can make a significant difference in your health and well-being.

Here's how much exercise is recommended

The World Health Organization recommends adults get 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes per week of intense physical activity, in addition to muscle-strengthening activities two or more days per week. That may seem like a lot, but there are ways to easily incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Let's take a closer look at them:

  • Ride a bike: Ditch the car and bike to work or the grocery store.
  • Climb stairs: Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Exercise together is more fun: Make a date with friends to work out together.
  • Use apps: Fitness trackers remind you to exercise regularly.
  • Exercise during lunch break: Lunch break is for a walk.
  • Workouts while brushingyour teeth: Do squats while brushing your teeth.
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Even small habitual changes can establish more movement in everyday life.

Conclusion

Exercise is essential for maintaining our physical and mental health, but unfortunately too many Germans don't move enough each week due to the sedentary lifestyle and increased stress levels caused by technology. The consequences of lack of exercise range from obesity to anxiety and depression. That's why it's important that we all make an effort to move! By following the World Health Organization's guidelines for physical activity, we can ensure that we stay healthy both mentally and physically with minimal effort!

Editorial principles

All information used for the content comes from verified sources (recognised institutions, experts, studies by renowned universities). We attach great importance to the qualification of the authors and the scientific background of the information. Thus, we ensure that our research is based on scientific findings. Guest articles may also contain links to third party websites that are not sources.

Kurt Weber
Guest author

Kurt Weber works as a freelance medical editor and writes professional articles on health-related topics.

The content of this page is an automated and high-quality translation from DeepL. You can find the original content in German here.

Last Update

30.12.2022

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