There was a time when people exercised (weight lifting, for example) to get “stronger”. Then, they began to run in parks and go to the gym because it was good for the heart. “Now, studies are getting to the central nervous system and to the immune system, with regard to causes of diseases", says Doctor Victor Matsudo, an orthopedist who works with Sports Science at the Physical Fitness Research Center in São Caetano do Sul. The aim is to age healthily and avoid the five main non-transmissible diseases that affect the world population:  cardiovascular complications, stroke, type 2 diabetes and breast and colon cancers.

A study with 20 thousand former Harvard University students indicated that lifestyle is responsible for 54%, 50% and 37% of risk of death by myocardial infarction, brain stroke and cancer respectively. In Brazil, around 300 thousand people die every year from cardiovascular disease. Regular physical activity can lower the risk of these diseases, especially as you grow older.

Mentally, physical activity helps people to come out of their shell, improves self-esteem and self-confidence and relieves stress (suicide rate among inactive people is twice as high). Physiologically, it keeps weight, cholesterol and triglycerides under control, reduces blood pressure and improves endurance, muscle strength and joint mobility. As a result, one's life autonomy increases.  

Women, pay attention!! Women suffer more from the effects of lack of physical activity than men: a sedentary 40-year old woman is as fit as an active 70-year old.

Weight, cholesterol and triglycerides are kept under control...But starting is still a problem. “Laziness, loneliness, lack of time or money and tiredness are the main personal excuses. Lack of place, equipment and fear are the environmental excuses”, classifies Dr. Matsudo. This is why scientists research ways to challenge these excuses. “The lack of time is at the top of the list. But we are not even talking about exercising for one hour straight.  You can do it in ten-minute blocks. So we can cross this one off the list…” Another one: “I can not take it. I will collapse”. Dr. Matsudo says: “If you can not run, walk. If you can not jump, dance. You can start at a moderate pace". Lack of space? Then you can exercise in your free time, at home or work, on the streets and in parks.

“The most sincere ones admit they are lazy. They are tired of working. But, even when they are tired, they do not need to spend hours in front of the TV, do they?”, argues Victor Matsudo. “We want to motivate, inspire the culture, social climate. Before, only madams used to walk their dogs. Now, many people are out with their dogs, making friends…” Washing the car, gardening and parking the car further away to get to work are other types of "hidden" exercises.