Day to Combat Sedentarism features the Academia Carioca program in the subway.

Physical Education professionals from the program led sessions of warm-up, stretching, workplace gymnastics, and light exercises - Edu Kapps/SMS

The Municipal Health Department (SMS) held an event this Tuesday morning (March 10th), the Day of Combating Sedentarism, as part of the Academia Carioca program, at the Carioca station of MetrôRio, in the city center. The initiative brought physical activities to the mezzanine of access B of the station, encouraging passengers to include exercise in their daily routine. During the event, Physical Education professionals from the program led warm-up sessions, stretching, workplace gymnastics, and light exercises, inviting passersby to participate. The aim was to show that small active breaks throughout the day can contribute to improved health and quality of life.

– The Academia Carioca program is a pioneering strategy to combat sedentary lifestyles, an increasingly important issue for the city of Rio. Data from the Primary Care network shows that more than half of the population is overweight, and this is strongly related to the absence of physical exercise in their routine. The habit of doing physical activity, respecting the rhythm and reality of each individual, is capable of transforming lives – said the municipal Secretary of Health, Daniel Soranz.

The Academia Carioca program promotes regular physical activity and education in family clinics and municipal health centers in Rio de Janeiro, with support from the health team in developing preventive actions and best health practices. Since 2009, it has shown excellent results for its participants, helping to control blood pressure, reduce body weight, decrease or eliminate the need for medication, and benefit mental and social health.

– Our goal is to show that physical activity can be part of people's daily lives, even in the rush of routine. Small breaks to move around already bring important health benefits and help prevent various diseases – highlighted Júnia Cardoso, head of the Academia Carioca program.