A recent Statistics Canada report revealed the vast majority of Canadians aren't getting the exercise they need.
Only 15 per cent of Canadian adults are accumulating the 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity recommended by new international and proposed Canadian guidelines.
Men are slightly more active than women, with 17 per cent achieving the recommendations, compared to 14 per cent of women.
The report is based on new data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey, which was carried out in partnership with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Data from the survey also indicated only seven per cent of youth aged five to 17 attain the recommended hour per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
Once again, boys beat out girls, with nine per cent of boys in the age group acquiring the hour per day, compared to just four per cent of girls.
These numbers translate into more than just a little extra pudge on Canadians, as inactivity can have long-term consequences.
"Inactivity is one of the major risk factors for many serious diseases and can result in premature death," said Dione Kardynal, population health promotion co-ordinator for Prairie North Health Region.
Inactivity also plays a role in Canada's burgeoning health care costs - Kardynal said increasing the national level of physical activity by a mere 10 per cent could save the health care system $150 million per year.
Kardynal added regular exercise has many benefits besides a trim figure, including improved mood, higher energy levels and better sleep.
"Physical activity is the silver bullet for better quality of life," said Kardynal, adding regular exercise reduces the risk of developing many chronic diseases and conditions, including strokes and heart disease, two of the three leading causes of death in Canada.
"The solution is simple," said Kardynal. "Put it into your daily schedule and make 'you' a priority."
Kardynal said adding even an extra 10 minutes of vigorous exercise per day has scientifically proven health benefits.
"Be in control of your health, find something you enjoy doing and get active today," said Kardynal.
She suggested a number of online resources, including www.in-motion.ca, a website run by the Saskatoon Health Region offering a number of tips on adding exercise to your daily routine, www.csep.ca, where you can access the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines fact sheets and www.cbc.ca/liverightnow, which offers a number of resources, such as workout regimens, daily challenges and nutrition tips.
But residents of the Battlefords don't have to look any further than their own back door for ways to incorporate physical activity into their lifestyle.
Siobhan Gormley, recreation co-ordinator for the City of North Battleford, said the City offers a wide range of activities, both indoors and outdoors.
"We're always searching for ways to get people out," she said, pointing out the numerous classes the recreation department offers, such as aerobics, belly dancing, circuit training and swimming.
The City also offers seniors' fitness classes.
"It's never too late to start," said Gormley, adding some of the participants in the seniors' classes are over 80 years old.
"There's a lot of free things happening out there as well," she said, citing the cross-country ski trails, the walking path around Territorial Drive, free skating nights, the lit toboggan hill behind Don Ross Centre and lit outdoor ice rinks, such as the ones near St. Mary School and EMBM School.
Gormley said besides the physical activity aspect, many of these activities offer the chance for quality family time.
For more information on what the City offers, people can stop by the Parks and Recreation offices in either City Hall or the Don Ross Centre, or call 445-1755 or 445-1740.
