occupational physical activity definition

Muscle strengthening activities, such as some types of yoga or Pilates, resistance-band training, high intensity activities (for example, cycling, dancing, gymnastics or gardening that requires digging or lifting), climbing stairs or hills, squats, push-ups, sit-ups, weight training and active playgrounds for children (for example: monkey bars, climbing frames, skipping or hopscotch).Īustralia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelinesīeing physically active is important across all ages and contributes to health, growth, and development in children and adolescents (WHO 2018).

Incidental activities from being at work, transport to and from work, or household chores.

Sporting and leisure activities, such as swimming, tennis, bushwalking and going to the gym.

Some examples of physical activity include:

Physical activity can also improve symptoms, delay, or halt the progression of a number of conditions, or the onset of associated disease and complications (Pedersen and Saltin 2015). Being physically active improves mental and musculoskeletal health and reduces other risk factors such as overweight and obesity, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. People who are not active enough have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and dementia. Low levels of physical activity are a major risk factor for chronic conditions.

‘Physical activity’ is any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure (WHO 2017a).

Occupational physical activity definition