A simple way to add healthy activity to your life has been named

New Year's resolutions are most often associated with the desire to lead a more active lifestyle, however, experts assure: exhausting workouts are not necessary for this. It's much more important to simply start moving and choose an activity that brings pleasure.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the University of Alberta, Professor of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation John Spence notes that even minimal physical activity matters. According to him, the key success factor is doing what you truly enjoy, as these are the activities people tend to continue in the long term.

The expert emphasizes that physical activity doesn't necessarily have to look like a strictly planned workout. It can be regular walking as a means of transportation, playing with children, walking with friends, or any other forms of movement that are easy to incorporate into everyday life.

The relevance of the problem is confirmed by the ParticipACTION report for 2025 - the largest study of physical activity among adults in Canada. According to its data, a sedentary lifestyle costs the country $3.9 billion annually due to preventable healthcare expenses. Meanwhile, increasing the population's activity level by just 15% would save nearly $1 billion per year by reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases.

Spence also reminds that physical inactivity is directly linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and mental health problems, including depression and dementia.

Besides health benefits, movement positively affects social life: more active people tend to leave home more often, interact with neighbors, and feel more involved in the life of their community.

The report shows that only 32% of Canadian adults walk at least 7,500 steps a day. Experts advise starting small - adding just 500 steps, which is equivalent to about five minutes of walking.

Special attention is paid to the lack of strength and balance exercises. Only 35% of adults perform strength training twice a week, and among people over 65, only 31% regularly train their balance, although these exercises reduce the risk of falls and support a healthy metabolism.

The document also notes a shortage of volunteers in sports and recreation - today their number is only 45% of what's needed. Participating in organizing local sports events or officiating, according to Spence, can become an additional source of physical activity and simultaneously a contribution to community development.

The main conclusion of the experts is simple: movement doesn't have to be complicated. Even small changes in everyday life can bring tangible benefits both for the individual and for society as a whole.