Importance of Exercise

The Importance of Exercise

Many of us have some extra unwanted inches that we are not proud of, so what are we to do? Yes, I know the usual, go on a diet, join a gym and do some exercise. But is that the only answer?

As most of us know, as soon as we go on a diet and strike off all the foods that although we love, are obviously not helping our waist line, we seem to have more of a yearning for them. Or we join the gym and become regulars for approximately two months then stop going, even though we are still making the monthly payments.

Now, we have all read many articles telling and showing us how good we could look if we stick to an eating plan and exercise regime for a certain number of weeks, so why is this feature so different?

Well, truthfully there is nothing new to tell you, but I will endeavour to make you see health and exercise from a different perspective that is achievable and maintainable.

We have never been as health conscious as we are now and with the surge of obesity and more premature deaths due to unhealthy lifestyles, this is the best time to get ourselves healthy. The government even recommends that an adult should perform at least 30 minutes of “active activity” a day. Active activity is anything that will slightly increase the heart rate (cardiovascular activity) i.e. walking at a brisk pace, gardening, DIY or even dancing. So as you can see, being fit is not exclusive to being an athlete or joining a gym, daily activities can also contribute to healthy living.

These are some of the benefits of taking up exercise or physical activity:-

Boosts the immune system
Reduces the risk of developing colon and breast cancer
Reduces the risk of developing diabetes
Builds and maintains healthy muscles, bones and joints
Reduces depression and anxiety
Lowers high blood pressure which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease
Boosts self-confidence
In conjunction with a healthy diet, helps to maintain a healthy weight

This is all well and good but living in the real world with real people there are obstacles that stop us from being the fit and healthy people we want to be. Here are some of the most common reasons that hinder the progress of those wanting a healthier lifestyle: -

I don’t have the time, I am extremely busy
- If you don’t have time to invest in your most prized asset, YOU, then no one else will. Try using the stairs instead of the lift, try walking instead of driving for short journeys
I only eat once a day and yet I still put on weight, so I gave up
- This way of eating slows down your metabolism and makes you more susceptible to putting on weight
I don’t have the funds to join a gym
- The gym is not the only solution, you can go jogging or walking in the park, dance in your living room or skip (skipping ropes are less than £5)
I go to the gym, but I still can’t shift the weight
- This is usually due to eating habits, you can’t eat whatever you want and think you can just burn it off when you go to the gym (most of us don’t do enough vigorous exercise to be able to do that)
I lack motivation
- Look for those who have motivation and latch onto them, ask them if they could help you

If we are really serious about being healthy there are really no excuses and please do not assume that just because someone is slim they are healthy and vice versa. No one, no matter how good the intention can push you to the point of realising that you need a healthy lifestyle, only YOU can come to that decision. So, make being healthy and not just losing weight, your goal and have fun. Exercise is supposed to be challenging, remedial but FUN.

Note: Before embarking on a new exercise and nutritional regime please ensure that you consult your GP for advice.

Marta Kargbo
Focus Health Personal Training
www.focushealth.biz

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