Physical activity and health: option or need?

The importance of the health perspective in the promotion of physical activity is debated. Through this article I would like to express my opinion in this regard.

A few weeks ago I participated in this colloquium organized by the Stadium Foundation and among other topics, what I am explaining in this text was mentioned. It is also a recurring discussion on Twitter.

AEA 2019-2020: Deporte para bien (conferencia completa) from fundacionestadio on Vimeo.

There are many options to improve society through sports. More broadly, the same happens with physical activity. Physical activity is an excellent tool to encourage economics, social integration, linguistic development, reduce travel time, increase academic performance, environmental care, promote educational values, increase work efficiency, achieve peace, promote equality and equity... there are endless uses and benefits that can be raised if it is done correctly, but one, in my opinion is different: health.

In the case of health, in my opinion, physical activity is not a tool or an option, it is a necessity.

For example, as I mentioned in the colloquium, my Basque cultural identity has been based on two pillars: motor and linguistic. It is true that I was born and lived in a specific space, I have grown up in a certain environment, I have studied in an educational system, I have eaten in a local way, I have had social relationships, music, dance, etc. In fact, there are many characteristics specific to the society I have lived in, but I have felt Basque mainly for two reasons: communicating in the Basque language and being a Basque pelota player. In my case, Basque pelota has been a resource to build that feeling, that cultural identity. It has not been the only resource, and I am sure that many people develop a deeper feeling of Basque identity without being a Basque pelota player. Therefore, in my case, sport has been a tool, a resource, but not the only one, nor essential.

The relationship between physical activity and health is different. Health problems arising from physical inactivity can only be corrected through physical activity. Therefore, physical activity is not a resource or tool to achieve health, it is a necessity. In all the other cases above-mentioned, in my opinion, what is achieved through physical activity can be achieved in other ways.

That is why I consider that health must receive special treatment in the promotion of physical activity.

What do you think?