Exercise and Its Daily Effects

Social relationship impact on Physical Activity & Health

Individuals of all ages rely and communicate with others for social interaction. Through these interactions we learn new information on norms, habits, activities and perspectives. Some might affect us positively, others can impact us negatively. But, through healthy choices such as participating in physical activity, which can result from joining friends, family or partners. Consequently, it can promote healthier lifestyle, longevity, and even a better outlook on life. 

Prosocial Behaviors

Physical activity helps us in different ways, one of those is that it helps us improve social relationships. According to studies, physical activity helps us become more prosocial and trusting. In one study done, it was found that people who do regular exercise are more capable of trust and cooperation. In the same study it was found that “trustworthiness is more likely to be observed by females than males” (Bartolomeo, 2017, pp. 50–71). 


In other words, participating in physical activity as an outcome of social interaction promotes prosocial behaviors.



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Children and adolescents 

In several studies it was found that children who had increased amounts of physical activity have higher levels of health-related quality of life (Wu et al., 2017, p. e0187668). This suggests that children who are physically active have better chances of a better quality of life. In the same analysis they also studied sedentary children that resulted in decreased health-related quality of life.


 Adults

As you grow older, you begin to find it more difficult to fit daily activities in between work, family, etc. Especially, those who struggle with weight gain that is getting to an unhealthy level. Some traits have recently been observed to aid in weight loss through " adherence to a restrictive and carefully monitored eating plan and regular physical activity;" (Steinbeck, 2001). This also includes dedicating 30-60 minutes to physical activities. 

Childhood Intervention

Being able to implement daily exercise is no easy task. As adults we have to plan accordingly based off our daily activities of school, work, parental duties, etc. "To prevent later disease, childhood physical activity should continue during adulthood," (Aarnio, Winter, Kujala, & Kaprio, 2002) which allows for continuation of healthy habits. For instance, simple acts of walking daily, cycling or getting together to participate in a group sport with friend or family. By bringing awareness to individuals on the importance of exercise they can maintain a healthy life style.

Social Relationships that impact the act of Physical Activities (Aarnio, Winter, Kujala, & Kaprio, 2002):

  • School
  • Friends
  • Parents 
  • Family
  • Community groups


Healthy lifestyle

In an adolescent study, it was found that "persistent activity among boys were those that didn't smoke, ate breakfast every morning, attended a gym.. and had perceived good health," (Aarnio, Winter, Kujala, & Kaprio, 2002). The opposite results were seen in students that smoked, didn't eat regularly or participate in physical activity. According to the study, starting healthy life habits from a young age promotes these same habits at older ages.

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What does this mean?

This means that physical activity or exercise promotes us to be able to cooperate with others well and that we are capable of trusting others and improving our own quality of life. Exercise improves overall “life satisfaction, happiness, subjective well-being, mental health, and interpersonal relations” (Bartolomeo, 2017, pp. 50–71). Meaning that our overall well being can be significantly improved with exercise.

So What?

With our ever-increasing exposure to technology, many of us have become sedentary. Children and adolescents have lost their appetite to become physically active and instead would rather look at a screen all day and be sedentary. Their interactions with one another have been decreased to messaging each other instead of hanging out face to face.
Children and youth ages 5-17 years old are recommended to have at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. But because of our ever-evolving technology they have chosen to pick up their phones, tablets, or play on their computers for a vast majority of their days.

What to do?

Come up with ideas on how to engage our youth to play. Find an activity that would be enjoyable that involves being active, such as hiking, playing at the park, finding a sport that can be played by everyone in the family, etc.

For more tips:

References:

Bartolomeo, G. D., & Papa, S. (2019). The Effects of Physical Activity on Social Interactions: The Case of Trust and Trustworthiness. Journal of Sports Economics, 20(1), 50-71. 10.1177/1527002517717299



Wu, X. Y., Han, L. H., Zhang, J. H., Luo, S., Hu, J. W., & Sun, K. (2017, November 9). The Influence of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior on Health-Related Quality of Life Among the General Population of Children and Adolescents: A systematic review. PLOS: One, 12(11), e0187668. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0187668



Aarnio, M., Winter, T., Kujala, U., & Kaprio, J. (2002a). Associations of health related behaviour, social relationships, and health status with persistent physical activity and inactivity: A study of finnish adolescent twins. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(5), 360-364. doi:10.1136/bjsm.36.5.360



Steinbeck, K. S. (2001). The importance of physical activity in the prevention of overweight and obesity in childhood: A review and an opinion. Obesity Reviews, 2(2), 117-130. doi:10.1046/j.1467-789x.2001.00033.x