Did you know that almost half (47.8%) of adult Latino women have reported that they never engage in any leisure time physical activity? This is compared with 29.2% of non-Latino white women reporting that they don’t engage in any leisure time physical activity.
The report goes onto examine why Latinas are the largest and fastest growing female ethnic minority group in the US who are reporting the lowest levels of physical activity.
Some research shows that Latinas may not be engaging in physical activity as much because they receive little social support for exercising. Other research shows that Latinas may face environmental barriers, such as crime, heat, traffic, lack of facilities, and a fear of immigration enforcement.
Health problems common in Hispanics
Hispanics have different degrees of illness or health risks compared to whites, for example Hispanics have a lower death rate overall but a 50% higher death rate from diabetes. Developing diabetes can be prevented by reducing the amount of sugar in your diet.
Interestingly, research has shown that it makes a difference to a Hispanic’s health, if they are born in the US. Compared with US-born Hispanics, foreign-born Hispanics have about half as much risk of developing heart diseases, 48% less risk of developing cancer, and 29% less risk of developing high blood pressure.
According to Adictosalfitness, it is imperative that Latinas are aware of illnesses and health problems that they are at a higher risk of developing, so that they understand how they can reduce the risk. Often eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise can help to promote a healthier lifestyle and lower the risk of serious health conditions.
Top 5 physical activities for Latinas
If you are concerned about your health or want to improve it, why not try one of these top physical activities for Latinas now:
1) Walking
If you don’t like exercising, this one is for you. Ditch the car, train, or bus, and try walking to work or to the shop. Every step is a step in the right direction for looking after your health. It is advised for adults to get around 10,000 steps a day.
2) Running
Running is a great cardio activity which can significantly improve your physical health and your mental well-being. But starting running can sometimes seem difficult, so to ensure you keep at it, why not try to find a running club or start running with a friend?
3) Swimming
Anything that gets your heart rate up is good for the health of your heart and thus can help to prevent heart diseases. Swimming is a great way to get your heart rate up and is great for people who want to do exercise that is easy on their joints.
4) Yoga
According to science, yoga has many health benefits, such as it can reduce stress, improve your heart’s health, and improve the quality of your life. Yoga can be done from anywhere, so if you want to do your exercise in the comfort of your own home, then this one is perfect for you.
5) Weightlifting
Taking up weightlifting is a great way to tone your body and also ensure that you burn calories, improve your heart’s health, and reduce your risk of developing diabetes. If you don’t want to go to the gym, then you could always buy some weights and do them at home.
