An active lifestyle has deep roots in the Norwegian culture, mainly by hiking accompanied by others while enjoying what nature can offer. However, one could argue that the availability of hiking paths are limited, especially in the bigger more urban cities. Although nature is right at our doorstep, a 45-minute commute can be too much of a hassle, and in turn might lead to inactivity. Inactivity is however not the case for Norwegians, much of this because of the increased popularity for gym training. No matter where you look, the likelihood of encountering a commercial poster or a facility by itself is almost certain. Therefore the gym becomes much more available and easier to get done within a hectic day. Much of what we learn at school for rehabilitative work, no matter the diagnosis or injury is the importance of strength training. Going for a hike might not be the best option when it comes to increasing one’s capacity for strength, however the gym is a facility which makes it possible to participate in resistance training. Therefore, it can be viewed as beneficial to provide and encourage both patients and the general public to such facilities.
The benefits of physical activity are many, and for that reason the Norwegian government puts this highly on the priority list. The Norwegian health directorate recommends 150 minutes of physical activity per week, where one should combine activities of varying intensity (Helsedirektoratet, 2016). The recommended time of physical activity can be divided between different forms of training, however the tendency of strength training is growing in Norway. A study done by the Norwegian statistical central bureau in 2016 undermines the adherence of Norwegians to these recommendations, where its reported that 83 percent of people report exercising at least once a week (Statistisk sentralbyrå, 2016). Furthermore, the survey shows the increase in amount of people doing strength training from 2004 till 2016, with an increase of almost 20 percent (Statistisk sentralbyrå, 2016). Although there are some socioeconomic differences in the amount of exercising being done, the group of lower socioeconomic class still reports 76 per cent adherence to weekly exercise (Statistisk sentralbyrå, 2016). Physical activity, espescially in the form of strength training is popular in Norway, and therefore important to encourage and sustain in the future, as it provides benefits for public health. For that reason, it can be an important tool in both injury or illness prevention, as well as in many stages of rehabilitation.
References:
Statistisk sentralbyrå (2016): https://www.ssb.no/en/kultur-og-fritid/artikler-og-publikasjoner/norwegians-exercise-more-than-before?fbclid=IwAR2kZ7uiUbIEBwPbybipI2phtB9gHHgfy-6x81Tj-RR6EIilG1n1tITEO7g
Helsedirektoratet (2016): https://helsedirektoratet.no/folkehelse/fysisk-aktivitet/anbefalinger-fysisk-aktivitet
One thought on “The growing phenomenon of strength training in Norway”
This is good attempt on the post, and the picture and your tittle do reflect on the assignment we are writing about.
I believe the first paragraph is supposed to be about personal reflection, meaning we are supposed to write about what we think about the picture and why we chose it. I may say that on your paragraph you might have generalized and that may be because this is an academic literature and formal language must be used, but a reflection is a reflection therefore it must be written from your point of view. I then suggest that you narrow it down and talk about how you feel and think about the Norwegian active lifestyle e.g. “As a Norwegian being physically active is not something out of the norm, its part of the culture…” or “In my eyes, long distance travelling in a day may be tiring and may lead to inactivity…”
i like how you incorporated the benefits of physical activity in your text and how you included the valid sources to support your work with the use of more that one references. there are no comments with regards your grammar.
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