EXPLORING EXERCISE PROCRASTINATION AMONG YOUTH IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Abstract

Exercise is any activity a person engages to promote or maintains physical fitness and overall wellness. Physical inactivity has been associated with  1.9 million preventable deaths yearly, increases risk of mortality by 20-30% and a major risk factor in increasing the level of obesity. This study employed a systematic review of literatures on physical exercise benefits and barriers: a key to enhancing wellness for all ages in Nigeria. Empirical findings shows that knowledge and attitude towards physical exercise in most part of Nigeria were reportedly high, but had poor exercise habits. Participating in physical activities has been linked with increased self-efficacy levels, reduced fatigability and improved cardiovascular fitness, reduces risk of depression, improves muscular fitness, improves bone health. However, lack of access to exercise facilities (95.0 %),  economic  cost  demands  of  exercise  (94.2 %)  and  the  perception  that  people  in  workout  clothes  look  funny  (94.2%) respectively were barriers impeding the engagement in physical exercise; thus recording low physical activity levels (80.2%). Measuring physical activity as a vital sign; encourage the public to engage in physical activity at least 150 minutes per week. Were some of the strategies for encouraging physical exercise. This review brings to bear the need to promote active lifestyles, among people of all ages. Based on the findings of this review, it was recommended that to enhance wellness, sedentary and  inactive  lifestyles  should be  discouraged.  Individual no  matter the  status  should  be  involved  in physical  activities  and  recreation which should be organised and last for at least 30 minutes three (3) times a week. In addition to available evidence of sedentary life styles of the majority of the population,  introducing intervention programmes such as educational intervention , school based programmes, work-site intervention, intervention by health care providers should be advocated.