Great news – shopping is good for you
The National Heart Foundation of Australia is calling on mums to hit the shops in the interests of their health.
The Heart Foundation has confirmed that science has finally proven what women have long hoped to be true - shopping is good for you. And best of all, the benefits do not involve parting with a single cent.
There is enough evidence to prove that hours spent sitting during the day is bad for your heart and that being on your feet, even ambling about the shops or pottering around the garden has some promising health benefits.
“It’s an exercise myth that provided you get your 30 minutes exercise in a day, you can take it easy for the rest of the day. It’s just not true,” said Ms Shauna Jones, National Active Living Manager, Heart Foundation.
“Many of us have jobs that require us to sit down for large parts of the day, so it’s especially important to choose leisure activities that have us on our feet and moving around. So by shopping for a few hours on weekends, you not only have a few hours of ‘me time’, it’s actually good for you too.
“The trick is to spend less time on your seat and more time on your feet,” Ms Jones said.
“If you plan to meet a friend for coffee or lunch, walk around the shops as you chat instead – sure take a coffee break, but window shop again afterwards.
“Many shopping centres around Australia support the Heart Foundation’s free walking groups to meet, talk and walk. Walks are usually topped off with a coffee and a bit of shopping too.
“Working in the garden is also a healthy activity that keeps you bending, stretching and on your feet.
“This isn’t to say that pottering is the only exercise you need. A brisk walk that has you puffing a bit for at least 30 minutes each day is still important to exercise your heart and help manage weight.
“Many people are surprised to learn that the simple act of a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day or more can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as half.
The Heart Foundation has launched Mums United to help Australian families take small, easy steps towards a healthier lifestyle and a healthy weight. For free family recipes and quick tips for healthier living, visit heartfoundation.org.au/mumsunited