Adults get 'F' for physical activity, slow to return to gym
Avid gym-goers in Timmins were eager to return to their usual workouts once gyms reopened, according to local gym manager Tiffanie Veilleux, but she adds that there are still stragglers who are slow to return to their pre-pandemic routines.
She feels COVID-19 is still keeping some people at home.
"What we've seen is it's slower for people that are older, obviously, and who are a little bit nervous coming back to a social setting," said Veilleux, who is also a kinesiologist.
The global health crisis had many people adopt a more sedentary lifestyle by staying at home, which is what a new 'Adult Report Card' from ParticipACTION said contributed to giving Canadians an 'F' for sedentary behaviour.
The report showed that around 90 per cent of people ages 18 to 79 spend at least eight hours a day sitting or lying down (outside of sleep), which researcher Leigh Vanderloo notes contributes to a variety of health problems.
"Increased risk for type two diabetes, high blood pressure, musculoskeletal issues," Vanderloo said.
"(Also) increased symptoms of anxiety and depression, more difficult time managing stress."
Vanderloo said the transitioning of many people to working from home has reduced opportunities for activities like walking to a transit stop to get to work, a colleague's desk, or the lunchroom during a break.
Walking or cycling to different locations has taken a plunge, which earned Canadians another 'F' grade for active transportation.
Though there have been campaigns encouraging people to get outside and engage in high-movement activities, Vanderloo said people are staying still for much of the day.
That was a prevalent issue in pre-pandemic society as well, she said.
"We rely heavily on convenience. A lot of us are using cars to get from point 'A' to point 'B,'" Vanderloo said, adding that sedentary entertainment like streaming services is contributing to poorer health.
But health experts are assuring people that it's not a hopeless situation, saying that even small changes to one's routine can make a major difference.
"Anything is better than nothing right now," Veilleux said, "If you're sitting at home not doing anything, five minutes a day is an increase in activity.
"That's what we want to see from sedentary people. Just a small increase, because that's how we develop habits."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
RateMDs violates privacy of health professionals, class-action lawsuit claims
A lawsuit against RateMDs has been given the go-ahead by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who found the claim that the website violates the privacy rights of medical professionals is not 'bound to fail.'
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.