15 June 2025

Engage in physical activity to get in better shape.

Exerting oneself is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Moreover, it has very beneficial effects on certain medical conditions. Therefore, it is very important to engage in regular physical activity.

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Physical activity against diseases1

Physical activity is defined by the energy expended when we make movements. An active lifestyle helps reduce the risk of certain diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some types of cancer, as well as improving mental health.

Minimum recommended daily physical exercise2

The Ministry of Health recommends, as part of the National Nutrition and Health Program (PNNS), engaging in the equivalent of at least 30 minutes of brisk walking per day. Despite these recommendations, less than half of French people aged between 15 and 75 reach a level of physical activity that is beneficial to their health. However, it is entirely possible to engage in daily physical activity by slightly adjusting one’s habits.

What is sedentary behavior?

Unlike physical activity, sedentary behavior refers to doing little or no movement, resulting in low energy expenditure. This behavior poses significant health risks, including cancer and diabetes.

Developed societies are the most affected by this concerning phenomenon. According to the WHO, sedentary behavior is considered the fourth leading risk factor for death worldwide.

However, sedentary behavior cannot be countered solely by occasional physical activity. It is necessary to be active every day and at different times throughout the day. To maintain good health, it is therefore important to reduce sedentary habits and engage in physical activities.

Simple tips for engaging in physical activity on a daily basis3.

The benefits of physical activity are more proportional to the amount of activity than to its intensity. It is easy and simple to engage in physical activity at different times throughout the day. Many opportunities are hidden in our daily routines, for example:

  • Taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator
  • Walking short distances instead of using transportation (bus, car, metro) or getting off one stop earlier
  • Taking advantage of your lunch break to go for a 15-minute walk
  • Doing small errands on foot
  • Putting more energy into your daily gestures and activities (even cleaning)
  • Using a bicycle, available in large cities, to get around urban centers
Did You Know?

Taking a short walk after meals helps with better digestion! To learn more, check out our tips for healthy digestion.

How to digest well: Our tips
Références

1- MangerBouger.fr. Available at: https://www.mangerbouger.fr/l-essentiel/les-recommandations-sur-l-alimentation-l-activite-physique-et-la-sedentarite/augmenter/augmenter-l-activite-physique (accessed February 17, 2023)

2- Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Physical activity and health, June 2022. Available at: https://solidarites-sante.gouv.fr/prevention-en-sante/preserver-sa-sante/article/activite-physique-et-sante (accessed February 17, 2023)

3- PNNS. Press kit: Daily physical activity protects your health, February 2004. Available at: https://sante.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/Cp_l_activite_physique_au_quotidien_protege_votre_sante.pdf (accessed February 17, 2023)

All advice