Want to poop better? How about think and sleep better? Get active!

Everything gets better when you get active, ParticipACTION tells Canadians

TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2018 /CNW/ - ParticipACTION has a message for the 82 per cent of Canadian adults who aren't getting enough physical activity: get up and get moving because Everything gets better when you get active.

In its new campaign, ParticipACTION shines a light on the ways in which everything, from thinking, mood and relationships to sleeping, aging and even sex, can improve with physical activity. The campaign encourages Canadians to think about the benefits of physical activity in a new light to help shift attitudes and perceptions beyond traditional health benefits, such as weight loss.

"Many people think staying active is all about losing weight and looking good, but physical activity can do so much more to improve your quality of life," said Elio Antunes, President and CEO of ParticipACTION. "Everything improves when you get active. We're encouraging Canadians to sit less and move more, and when they do, they'll find many aspects of their lives get better."

In a recent survey by ParticipACTION, Canadians ranked their energy level, quality of sleep and stress level as the top aspects of their life they would want to improve if they had the chance. ParticipACTION's Everything Gets Better campaign shows how all three of these – and many other areas of life – can be improved with physical activity.

For instance, 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a week provides a 65 per cent improvement in sleep quality for adults aged 18 and older, making them feel less tired during the day and helping them sleep better the next night. In addition, to improve cognitive function, regular aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling and swimming, appear to help boost the size of the brain areas involved in memory and learning, helping you think better.

And, as for better sex and staying "regular"? Regular exercise is a natural performance-enhancer for men and it reduces stress which is the number one libido killer for women. It also boosts mood, self-confidence and body image, all of which increase one's desire for intimacy. And, for the one in four Canadians that have symptoms of constipation, being physically active helps stimulate intestinal function, whereas being inactive slows the digestive system.

"Being physically active is a pillar of healthy living that delivers many benefits, including helping to prevent chronic diseases," said the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health. "The Government of Canada looks forward to continuing to partner with ParticipACTION to encourage and motivate Canadians to sit less and move more."

ParticipACTION's Everything Gets Better campaign is part of a long-term effort to get Canadians to sit less and move more. The campaign includes digital and television ads in English and French, along with out-of-home advertising, such as in transit. Messaging includes science-based practical tips and information, with further initiatives including a digital engagement tool, and in the spring of 2019, a community challenge that will encourage Canadians to become more active together.

Visit participACTION.com to learn many of the ways physical activity can help make your life better. To join the Everything Gets Better conversation on social media, Canadians are encouraged to use the hashtag #EverythingGetsBetter and in French, #TellementMieux.

About ParticipACTION
ParticipACTION is a national non-profit organization that helps Canadians sit less and move more. Originally established in 1971, ParticipACTION works with its partners, which include sport, physical activity, recreation organizations, government and corporate sponsors, to make physical activity a vital part of everyday life. ParticipACTION is generously supported by the Government of Canada. For more information, please visit participACTION.com.

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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact: Elysha Haun, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, W: 416-413-4659, [email protected]