ESSA challenges people to find ways to move during this Easter break

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is challenging people to find a way to move over this Easter break – such as going on a bike ride, exploring on a hike up your nearest mountain or go for a swim at the beach, catching the last of summer.

ESSA notes that when physically exerting ourselves, we increase our insulin sensitivity. This in turn means that our body uses less insulin to absorb the sugar we consume, keeping our bloody sugar levels in check, making us more energetic and curbing the chocolate cravings.

“Whilst you shouldn’t feel guilty for treating yourself every now and again – it’s important to make sure you keep moving” commented Anita Hobson-Powell.

“Having four days off in a row is the perfect time to take advantage of being off work with family and friends and move your body. You won’t feel as guilty when you treat yourself to some chocolate!”

Easter is also a time people can re-introduce small amounts of exercise into our lives if their New Years’ resolution had paused, or even re-evaluate health and fitness goals. The same as we naturally find any excuse to treat ourselves, we should do the same with exercise.

Hobson-Powell adds “moving your body, even as simply as a morning walk, keeps your body and mind active and healthy. The statement “something is better than nothing” is important to remember over this holiday period.

ESSA are not saying to avoid chocolate – but suggest everything in moderation.

ESSA refer to an article in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise which found that that the negative effects of extra fructose, sucrose and glucose were significantly less detrimental when participants exercised more.

Over indulgence in foods with added sugars can lead to weight gain, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and other chronic conditions, and exercise helps reduce your risk of these.

Image courtesy City of Sydney