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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
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.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.