Survey reveals that 52% of Brazilians do not exercise

The Health and Work Survey, conducted by the Industry Social Service (Sesi) and released this week in Brasília, concludes that 52 percent of Brazilians rarely or never do physical activities. Among those who do physical activities, 22 percent exercise daily, 13 percent at least three times a week, and 8 percent at least twice a week.

The regular practice of physical activities is considered by specialists as one of the main means of health promotion and care. According to Alessandra Almeida, a Physical Education teacher from Rio de Janeiro, “the human body was made to be in movement. Facing this reality, my bet is that more and more people will need to exchange medication for workouts. I am sure that physical activity is the most effective medical prescription since its benefits are not only to treat but to prevent many diseases,” she emphasized.

Physical activity and health

Continua após a publicidade

The study also highlights the association between physical activity and health. Among the survey participants, 72 percent of those who exercise frequently reported no health problems in the past 12 months. However, among those who never engage in physical activity, 42 percent experienced health issues in 2022.

Sesi superintendent director Rafael Lucches emphasized “the importance of promoting health and preventive behaviors to enhance people’s lives.” He states that “regular physical activity leads to healthier individuals who are better equipped to face everyday challenges.”

Fernando Carlos de Oliveira, a personal trainer from Minas Gerais state, went viral on the Internet with the video featuring his 100-year-old student who performs physical activities with adapted loads, which have improved muscle strength and balance.

Oliveira, who specializes in training the elderly, advocates for regular exercise, particularly weight training under professional guidance. “Weight training can help maintain muscle mass, increase strength, improve flexibility and coordination, and contribute to bone health,” he said.

Sedentarism

Ivete Souza, a 50-year-old civil servant from Recife, has been living with severe depression since she was 21 years old. She was not in the mood to play with her three children, was overweight, and had calcium deficits that could cause her problems in the future.

Five years ago she got up from the couch, put on her sneakers, and assumed a healthier lifestyle, with a dietary re-education and a workout routine that started at home and moved on to the gym.

As a result, her life changed: Ivete lost 27 kilos, reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, and has a positive relationship with her children Miguel, 14, Jordana, 13, and Letícia, 6.

Another case of overcoming is 39-year-old accountant Felippe Ornellas from São Paulo. He once weighed 176 kilos. In 2016, he underwent bariatric surgery to address morbid obesity and lost 72 kilos. And today, he maintains his health with weight training. “The priority of my day is my physical activity. I get up, have my coffee, and start my day working out,” he stated.

Guide

To encourage more people to adopt an exercise routine, the Ministry of Health initiated the Health Academy Program (PAS) in 2011. The program develops activities in centers funded by the government and provides guidelines for people of all ages, including pregnant women and individuals with disabilities. Currently, PAS operates in 1,829 establishments with a total resource allocation of BRL 51 million.

Health at work

The Sesi survey also examined the relationship between work and quality of life. An overwhelming 94 percent agreed that individuals with good physical and mental health are more productive at work. Additionally, 12 percent of the respondents reported regular visits to psychologists.

Welson Araújo, a Physical Education teacher, highlights the direct link between regular exercise and mental health. “Exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety and improves memory,” he stated.

According to the survey, 88 percent of respondents believe that health encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being, going beyond the absence of disease or illness.

The survey was carried out between March 10 and 14, 2023, with interviews conducted in all Brazilian states involving 2,021 individuals aged 16 and above. The margin of error is two percentage points, with a 95 percent confidence interval.