Sit Less, Get Active from Coursera

Physical inactivity and sedentariness are “silent killers”. Do you feel like you spend too much time sitting? Do you feel like you would like to be more active? Are you unsure about how to incorporate physical activity into your daily life? We are here to help.

Join us on a journey to learn about how to sit less and become more active. Use this FREE course to learn how to monitor your own activity and set physical activity goals. We will feature various examples of how physical activity could be increased in different settings, such as your neighbourhood, home or work, to give you ideas of ones that could best fit your lifestyle.

Are you a health professional? Use this opportunity to learn how to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine and also how to empower your patients to be more physically active. If time with a patient is an issue, you can simply “prescribe” this course to your patient.

This course offers you a unique opportunity to receive weekly physical activity health messages and monthly video-reminders on how to increase physical activity in various settings for 6 months after the initial 3 week course. So, join us on the Sit less, get active! journey.

Follow us on Twitter @GetActive MOOC, #GetActiveMOOC or follow our Online Learning Twitter feed @uoe_online. Visit our YouTube channel to check out the promo videos (more are to come) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6xpBMzJXnffdUaY32-zPdA

If YouTube is not available in your country, you can access the promo videos here https://media.ed.ac.uk/search/searchkeyword/sit%20less%20get%20active

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Sit Less, Get Active 1

Defining, measuring and getting started with physical activity

Welcome to the first week of the Sit Less, Get Active journey! Watch the exciting videos and learn the basics about physical activity and sedentariness; how much physical activity we should be doing; how to monitor your physical activity levels and set physical activity goals; and how to judge how credible the resources for physical activity are. Use the opportunity to engage with others by participating in discussion forums. Join the discussion on barriers and facilitators to physical activity, as we would love to learn more about what helps you or makes it difficult for you to be active daily. Also, share and discuss with us your favourite physical activity resources.Test your knowledge through practice or weekly quizzes and also practice monitoring your own physical activity and setting physical activity goals. Happy Learning! Sit Less, Get Active Team

Sit less, get active wherever you are!

We hope you enjoyed the videos and activities in Week 1. If you haven’t started your assignments, now is the great time to start with the week of monitoring your physical activity and goal setting. This week we will give you tips and suggestions on how to be more active in your neighbourhood, at work, home and school, and how to travel actively to destinations. Discuss with others about what helps you and what keeps you from being active in your neighbourhood or at work. Also, check out additional tips in the optional readings. We hope these videos, tasks and additional readings will help you to complete the practice quizzes and a weekly quiz successfully. As always, happy learning! Sit Less, Get Active Team.

Sit less, get active wherever you are!: Lesson Choices

Choice 1: If you measured step count, complete this assignment | Choice 2: If you used a diary, complete this assignment

Making physical activity a lifelong habit for you and others

Week 3 is starting and bringing with itself new great videos and activities. If you have never heard about the pelvic floor, check out the video on physical activity in pregnancy. Guest speaker Elaine Miller, a physiotherapist and a stand-up comedian, will help you learn more about the pelvic floor and how to strengthen it. Other videos this week will tell you about what leisure centres have to offer, how dancing can help us be more active, how we can make physical activity a habit, and how we can inspire others to sit less and be more active. Remember to track your weekly steps and record them in the assignment. Also, have you set yourself some SMART goals? We encourage you to stay with us after these 3 weeks and get an additional dose of physical activity promotion. We will be sending you weekly physical activity promotional messages and monthly short inspirational videos for 6 months to help you stay active. You can also follow us on Twitter @GetActiveMOOC - Happy Learning! Sit Less, Get Active Team

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches ways to become more active, which can be used in daily life

Offers personalized recommendations for setting physical activity goals

Provides a variety of examples of ways to increase physical activity in different settings

Includes videos and readings on physical activity

Reviews summary

Practical activity course

Learners say that Sit Less, Get Active is a useful course for anyone who wants to become more active. It provides practical tips on how to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. The course is positive and full of suggestions and ideas.

The course offers a few helpful hints and tips.

"I knew most of what they said already. There were a few helpful hints and tips though, so it might be useful to take the course for those."

The course is positive and reinforcing.

"This course was great because it reminded me of all the good reasons I should be more active."

"Great Class that reinforces exercise and how to incorporate it in our busy lives."

The course provides practical tips for increasing activity.

"A useful course for anybody who wants practical tips on how to become more active, how to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine and the different ways to make small changes that will add up to a meaningful difference."

The course is action-based and can help you start a healthier lifestyle.

"Really helpful and action based course that can get you started on a healthier lifestyle straight away."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sit Less, Get Active with these activities:

Read 'Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain'

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This book provides scientific evidence of the positive effects of exercise on the brain, including improved cognitive function, mood, and sleep.

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Read the book.
Take notes on the key points.
Discuss the book with a friend or family member.

Review the Course Materials

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Reviewing the course materials can help you refresh your knowledge of the key concepts related to physical activity.

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Go over the course syllabus.
Read the assigned readings.
Watch the video lectures.

Monitor Your Physical Activity

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Tracking your physical activity levels is a great way to get an idea of how much activity you are doing and where you can make changes to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine.

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Choose a method to track your physical activity.
Start tracking your physical activity for one week.
Review your tracking data and identify areas where you can increase your physical activity.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Develop a Physical Activity Plan

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Developing a physical activity plan can help you set realistic goals and track your progress towards those goals.

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Set personal physical activity goals.
Identify activities that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle.
Create a schedule for your physical activity.
Find an accountability partner.

Attend a Physical Activity Workshop

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Attending a physical activity workshop can help you learn new ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.

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Find a physical activity workshop that interests you.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop.

Join a Physical Activity Support Group

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Joining a physical activity support group can provide you with motivation and support from others who are also trying to increase their physical activity.

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Find a physical activity support group that meets your needs.
Attend the support group meetings.
Share your experiences and offer support to other members of the group.

Create a Physical Activity Binder

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Creating a physical activity binder can help you keep track of your physical activity goals, progress, and resources.

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Gather the materials you need for your binder.
Create sections in your binder for different topics, such as goals, progress, and resources.
Regularly update your binder with your physical activity goals, progress, and resources.

Contribute to the Sit Less, Get Active! Project

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Contributing to the Sit Less, Get Active! project can help you learn more about physical activity and how to incorporate it into your daily routine.

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Find a way to contribute to the project that interests you.
Contact the project team to learn more.
Make your contribution to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Sit Less, Get Active will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Physical Education Teacher

Physical Education Teachers teach physical education to students of all ages. They work with students to develop their physical skills, improve their coordination, and stay active. This course can help Physical Education Teachers by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their students stay active and healthy. The course will also help Physical Education Teachers learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Education Teacher

Exercise Physiologist

Exercise Physiologists develop and implement exercise programs for people with chronic diseases or injuries. They also work with people who want to improve their overall health and fitness. This course can help Exercise Physiologists by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their clients stay active and healthy. The course will also help Exercise Physiologists learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Exercise Physiologist

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists help people with disabilities or injuries to regain their movement and function. They work with people of all ages, from infants to seniors. This course can help Physical Therapists by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their patients stay active and healthy. The course will also help Physical Therapists learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist

Health Educator

Health Educators teach people about how to make healthy choices. They work with individuals, groups, and communities to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. This course can help Health Educators by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their clients stay active and healthy. The course will also help Health Educators learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities or injuries to regain their independence and improve their quality of life. They work with people of all ages, from children to seniors. This course can help Occupational Therapists by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their clients stay active and healthy. The course will also help Occupational Therapists learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

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Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation Counselors help people with disabilities or injuries to regain their independence and improve their quality of life. They work with people of all ages, from children to seniors. This course can help Rehabilitation Counselors by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their clients stay active and healthy. The course will also help Rehabilitation Counselors learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

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Wellness Coach

Wellness Coaches help people improve their overall health and well-being. They work with people to set goals, make healthy choices, and stay motivated. This course can help Wellness Coaches by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their clients stay active and healthy. The course will also help Wellness Coaches learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

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Kinesiologist

Kinesiologists study the mechanics of human movement. They work with people to improve their mobility, strength, and flexibility. This course can help Kinesiologists by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their clients stay active and healthy. The course will also help Kinesiologists learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

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Dance Teacher

Dance Teachers teach dance to students of all ages and skill levels. They work with students to develop their dance skills, improve their coordination, and stay active. This course can help Dance Teachers by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their students stay active and healthy. The course will also help Dance Teachers learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

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Athletic Trainer

Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals who work with athletes to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. They also help athletes improve their performance and stay healthy. This course can help Athletic Trainers by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their athletes stay active and healthy. The course will also help Athletic Trainers learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

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Doctor

Doctors diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses. They also provide preventive care to help their patients stay healthy. This course can help Doctors by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their patients stay active and healthy. The course will also help Doctors learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

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Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants are healthcare professionals who work with doctors to provide medical care to patients. They diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform minor surgeries. This course can help Physician Assistants by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their patients stay active and healthy. The course will also help Physician Assistants learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

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Massage Therapist

Massage Therapists use massage to relieve pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. They work with people of all ages and backgrounds, including athletes, people with disabilities, and people who are recovering from injuries. This course can help Massage Therapists by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their clients stay active and healthy. The course will also help Massage Therapists learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

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Chiropractor

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions. They use spinal adjustments, massage therapy, and other techniques to relieve pain and improve mobility. This course can help Chiropractors by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their patients stay active and healthy. The course will also help Chiropractors learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

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Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses provide nursing care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They assess patients' health needs, administer medications, and provide wound care. This course can help Registered Nurses by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to help their patients stay active and healthy. The course will also help Registered Nurses learn how to incorporate physical activity into their own lives, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

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