Overview

Physical activity is an important and essential aspect of our life to achieve optimum health and wellbeing now days. The rising prevalence of diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases in India can be attributed, at least in part, to increasing levels of physical inactivity. According to scientific study, a large percentage of people in India are inactive with fewer than 10% engaging in recreational physical activity. Therefore, urgent steps need to be initiated to promote physical activity to reduce the epidemics of diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases in India. Regular physical activity is beneficial in many ways as it reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases- Ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, depression. Additionally, it also prevents, overweight and obesity, and can improve mental health, musculoskeletal problems (osteoarthritis, osteoporosis), and balance and coordination in elderly population. Physical activity has multiplicative health, social and economic benefits. Actions to promote physical activity will directly contribute to achieving the target of 15% relative reduction in the global prevalence of physical inactivity in adults and in adolescents by 2030 and achieving many of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Honorable Prime minister of India Shri Narendra Modi ji also launched “FIT INDIA MOVEMENT” on 29 August, 2019 to promote physical fitness and health in India and hoped for the betterment of health among Indian population. Keeping the rise in non-communicable diseases in India in mind GLA University also taking initiatives to promote physical fitness among people. A newly established department of GLA University, called School of physical education, offers two different courses on Yoga Education and Fitness Trainer from this academic year 2019-20.