No substitute for exercise to maintain body’s physical health 
Sports play a vital role in building the body. There is no substitute for exercise to maintain the body’s physical health; it positively affects people’s lives and is the key to future success.
For long-term health benefits, start practicing sports daily; just an hour a day of exercise can have a magic effect. Some people might lose interest after doing the same exercise routine every day, but you can avoid that by mixing your workout with different sports and being creative with your options.
If you love sports and exercise, you are lucky! But for those who do not share that passion and seek exercise for practical reasons, it is recommended to workout in the early mornings, which gives people positive energy throughout the day.
Robin Sharma, author of “The 5 AM Club,” recommends taking advantage of the first 20 minutes of a workout that makes you sweat, saying that it helps to get rid of fear and stress hormones and produces proteins that help people think deeply.
A recent survey by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics revealed that 48.2 percent of people across the country now take physical and sporting activities for at least 30 minutes a week.
Dr. Faisal Khalaf
Some people think that physical activity can only happen in gyms, which is not true. There are many creative ways to exercise while at work by promoting the use of stairs, active transportation by cycling or walking to work, and promoting activity breaks where employees get the chance to stretch, jump, breathe and go for short walks.
A study by the Saudi Ministry of Health in 2020 revealed that more than 50 percent of Saudis are obese.
Yet there is a glimmer of hope as a recent survey by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics revealed that 48.2 percent of people across the country now take physical and sporting activities for at least 30 minutes a week.
This demonstrates a key milestone in creating a healthy and vibrant society in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 Quality of Life Objectives.
This rise in activity is thanks to the combined efforts of the Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Sports for All Federation, the Quality of Life program, and the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, which have worked jointly to launch 74 inclusive and sustainable programs. These programs aim to improve individuals and families’ quality of life by creating the necessary environment to develop and support new lifestyle options.
• Dr. Faisal Khalaf is a dentist, writer, and a member of several charities across the Kingdom.
