Physical Activity

Exercise is defined as any movement that makes your muscles work and requires your body to burn calories. There are many types of physical activity, including swimming, running, jogging, walking and dancing, to name a few. Being active has been shown to have many health benefits, both physically and mentally.

The Benefits of Physical Activity

Regular physical activity helps you in a variety of ways. Not only does it help your physical health, but it also helps improve your brain function and emotional wellbeing.

Integrating Physical Activity into Your Day

Exercise doesn't have to be a chore- find something you enjoy doing and be creative in incorporating it into your routine.

Different Types of Physical Activity

There's no right or wrong way to move your body- finding a physical activity you actually enjoy can make a world of difference.

Cardio

It is recommended to complete 150 minutes of cardio per week

Moderate intensity

● Heart rate between 50%-70% of your max heart rate

● Sweat a little and breath harder

● Examples: running, hiking, biking, swimming, fitness classes

Vigorous intensity

● Heart rate above 70% of your max

● Sweat and feel out of breathe

● Examples: sprints, some forms of resistance training, and high-intensity interval training (HITT)

Benefits of Cardio

● Improves cardiorespiratory and pulmonary health, measurable by a lower resting heart rate

● Reduces blood pressure

● Reduces risk of a stroke, heart disease, and eventual heart attack

● Increases circulation

● Lowers the risk of diabetes

Resistance training

Try to do resistance training at least twice a week

Strengthening

● Can use body weight, free weights, cable pulleys, elastic resistance bands or weight machines

● Repetitions and sets depend on personal goals

Benefits of resistance training

● Increases muscle mass, endurance, and strength

● Ramps up your metabolism through increased muscle mass and also burns fat

● Increases bone density

● Builds good posture

● Strengthens joints thus reducing muscular imbalance issues

Flexibility

Do Flexibility training four to seven times per week

Mobility

● Compromised mobility can limit your range of motion, and stunt your fitness goals, or in the worst case can lead to injury down the line. ● Examples: yoga, pilates, foam rolling, stretching

Benefits of Flexibility

● Increases range of motion

● Releases tension physically and mentally

● Supports spinal musculoskeletal health

● Improves mobility

● Reduces the risk of injury associated with other exercises and movements

The more time spent being active, the better

Get Moving on Campus

Thunder Bay

LU Thunder Bay students are entitled to a membership at the Fieldhouse, Hangar and the new Wolves Den during the semesters they are enrolled. There is no additional cost for the membership as it is already covered in your athletic fees. Learn more about the facilities on the Thunderwolves website.

Orillia

Lakehead University Orillia students are able to access the new Fitness Room on the first floor of residence, there is no additional cost to access the fitness room. Learn more at the Orillia Thunderwolves website.

Staying Active at Home