CONCEPT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND INACTIVITY Physical Activities Introduction of Physical Activity Each body movement associated with indiv...
CONCEPT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND INACTIVITY
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Introduction of Physical Activity
Each body movement associated with individuals can be termed as physical activity Physical activities are the basis of life. However, urbanisation has resulted in a life with more luxuries and less physical activities which has significantly creased the risk of various health problems like heart diseases, obesity, osteo-arthntis and backache In this light, physical activity has gained more importance Physical activity can be of different forms like playing games and sports, dancing walking, dancing house chores gardening, etc. One who performs regular, physical activity of moderate intensity avails health benefits across & range by diseases during all ages. There are strong evidences to reaffirm that greater health benefits occur to people who are physically active. Some of the health benefits ot physical activities are:
1. Reduced risk of coronary heart disease, strokes and cardiovascular disease.
2. Treatment of peripheral vascular disease and high blood pressure.
3. Promotion of strength, coordination and balance.
4. Reduced risk of depression and cognitive decline in adults.
Hence it can be concluded that involvement in physical activity is one of the best investments an individual can make towards his continued good health
Defination of Physical Activity
“Physical activity generally refers to movement that enhances health’ — Department of Health and Human Services
Physical Inactivity
Physical inactivity means absence of regular physical activities in daily routine. It is increasingly becoming a part of today’s lifestyle. People who do not perform recommended level of physical activities are also identified as being physically inactive.
Physical inactivity has become one of the most serious health problems in today’s world. It is a major contributor to increasing levels of lifestyle diseases. The lack of physical activity is due to sedentary lifestyle and lack of interest in taking parts in sports during leisure time. Some environmental factors such as low-quality air, pollution, traffic, lack of parks and recreational facilities, also discourage people from taking part in physical activities.
Some of the effects of physical inactivity on health are as follows:
(i) Increased abdominal fat and obesity
(ii) Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
(iii) Increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
(iv) Increased levels of hypertension, anxiety and depression.
(v)Decreased longevity
There is a direct relationship between physical activities and health. Therefore, we should engage in some form of physical activity in our everyday lives Apart individual lifestyle changes the authorities should also aim to creat? suitable environment that would motivate people to participate in physical activities. Some of the measures include building accessible parks, playgrounds and community centres promoting physical education programs in schools and colleges implementing policies that would make it safer for people to walk or ride bicycles.
LEADERSHIP QUALITIES AND ROLE OF A GOOD LEADER
Definition of Leadership
According to Durtin R. “Leadership is the exercise of authority and making of decisions’
According to George R. Ferry, “Leadership {s the activity of influencing people to strive willingly for group objective”
According to Feld Marshal Montgomery, “Leadership is the capacity and will of an individual to rally men and women to a common purpose.”
Every society needs leaders to guide its destiny. Since our needs are of varied pasture, we need leaders in different spheres of life such as art, science, religion, politics, education, physical education, etc. Leaders in society have exceptional powers and are, therefore, able to inspire and guide others on the path to progress. The progress of society and its institutions largely depends upon its leaders.
(1) Attractive personality: Personality counts a lot in leadership because it creates the first impression of an individual.
(2) Intelligence: A leader should be intelligent. He should be a visionary and a good planner.
(3) Fearlessness: A leader should be fearless in his actions. He should be prepared and able to face oppositions.
(4) Determination and dedication: These qualities are essential for achieving the objectives.
(5) Cooperative nature: In order to get the cooperation of his followers, it is important for a leader to have a cooperative nature.
(6) Assertiveness: Assertiveness is necessary to carry on a movement and mould the followers.
(7) Professional knowledge: Thorough knowledge of one’s field is essential to guide and impress followers.
(8) Organising ability: To get the best results and cooperation of follower a leader should be a good organiser. He should be a good judge of ty potentialities of his followers and should be able to assign the right task to the right person.
(9) Sympathetic attitude: Such an attitude helps to win over the confidence of others and ensures followers support
(10) Emotional stability: The display of emotional stability in dealing with the other members of the group is important to ensure loyalty of the group
(11) Moral standard: A leader should display honesty, impartiality and good conduct in dealing with others.
(12) Communication skills: A leader should possess excellent communication Stalls. He should be able to clearly communicate his strategies and motivate his teamteam.
Role of a Leader
(i) To uphold professsional ethics and demonstrate fairness, integrity and professionalism.
(ii) To recognise the strengths and weakness of other members of the group and lead them to achieve a common goal.
(iii) To plan organised and structured opportunities for the group to gain maximum participation.
(iv) To formulate sound policies and practices.
(v) To motivate the group members to adopt a positive lifestyle. A leader should always appreciate the efforts of his team.
(vi) To encourage communication and exchange of ideas within the group. (vii) To coordinate the individual views of the group members towards a common purpose.
BEHAVIOUR CHANGE STAGES FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Behaviour can be defined as the way in which one acts or conducts oneself towards others. It can also be defined as the range of actions made by individuals with themselves or their environment. It is the response of the organism to various stimulus whether internal or external.
Behaviour change technique includes the method of means to change the physiological perceptions that influence the behaviour of an individual, eg rudeness, short temperedness, stress, etc Modern and fast lifestyle has left us time constrained to engage in physical activities. Many of us take up different sports and activities, but also give up quickly. To adopt an active lifestyle is not difficult. It requires willingness and a determination. We can change our behaviour to live an active life.
The various behaviour change stages for physical activities are:
1. Pre-contemplation: In this first stage, people resist to change their sedentary lifestyle. They feel comfortable with the lack of inactivity in their lives. People think they might have to invest time and finance w change their behaviour, so they deny to add any form of physical activity in their daily routine. This denial and resistance could be due to lack of motivation and awareness about the benefits of an active lifestyle At this stage people should be motivated to boost their confidence. They should be well-informed about the advantages of adopting a healthy lifestyle.
2. Contemplation: In this second stage, people begin to notice that there are some problem in their lifestyle and think that they should do something to change it. This behavioural change could be triggered by an unpleasant health related event with a relative or a friend. For example, people could consider getting an ECG done after witnessing a friend suffering from a heart ailment. This is the stage of awareness in which people start weighing the pros and cons of behaviour change, including the benefits and cost involved and are open to information.
3. Planning: This stage is information gathering stage in which people start planning about changing their behaviour. They start collecting information about possible options and their implementations. For example, if some one wants to join regular yoga classes he she needs to collect the address / timing and available transport options to attend the class. Secondly, finances will be worked out with suitable time slot. Normally this stage lasts for a short period. A better planning is needed before taking part in activities. Success of behaviour change programme will depend upon meticulous planning.
4.Active: This is the stage in which people reject sedentary lifestyle and adopt an active lifestyle. Time and energy is needed to be active and adopt a behaviour change. This stage includes different steps such as purchasing bicycle, yoga mat, dumbbell, skipping rope, or taking membership of Gym in nearby locality.
The activity adopted should be done with joy or happiness rather thinking it to be a burden Proper and regular monitoring of physical activity is needed to reap the maximum benefits.
5. Maintenance: The main objective of this stage is to keep the interest of people or group alive. They need to consolidate the change in their behaviour to maintain the rhythm and prevent the reverse change. People need to have strong will power and openness of mind to receive help and support wherever required. To get the best results, there should be proper monitoring system and timely assessment. For example a group involved in outdoor bicycling should record everyday distance and time. The group can change the route for joy and happiness Proper log to be maintained to keep a record for future reference. Activities can be diversified and made interesting so that one can continue for a long time and reap physical benefits
CREATING LEADERS THROUGH PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education programs, apart from increasing physical strength, improving postures and developing fearlessness, cooperative nature and a helpful attitude can also help develop emotional stability and moral qualities However, caret selection of such programmes and intelligent guidance are important to help promote the qualities of leadership. Classrooms, playing fields, camps, tour etc provide many opportunities where the hidden qualities of potential leaders can be guided suitably. Some opportunities and steps for enhancing the qualities of leadership in children are:
(i) Appointing a student as a leader of a class or group.
(ii) Appointing a student as a leader of mass exercises.
(iii) Entrusting the responsibility of organising and conducting minor games for the students.
(iv) Appointing a student as a captain of a team.
(v) Assigning duties for the preparation of grounds, etc. to students.
(vi) Allowing a student to officiate in competitions.
(vii) Appointment of students as the members of various school committees.
During physical activities, children often, knowingly or unknowingly, display their inherent qualities. A good teacher should always be on the lookout for students who display the qualities of self-assertion and intelligence in handling situations. Such children should be selected and trained as potential leaders by:
(i) Providing suitable channels for expression and satisfaction of their tendencies.
(ii) Assigning challenging tasks to such students in qualities and efforts.
(iii) Presenting outstanding models to such students in order to inspire them.
(iv) Providing a variety of activities for enhancing the scope of display of leadership and all-round development.
(v) Providing a competitive environment to bring out their best efforts and cultivate qualities of tolerance and patience.
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