One of the best health goals you can make this new year is to exercise more. It doesn't even have to be jogging, cycling or swimming – just walking more can reduce your risk of numerous long-term health problems and significantly increases your chance of living longer. Ditch the car, and walk as much as you can. By investing in a pedometer, you can also log your daily steps and aim to work up to achieve 10,000 a day, on most days.
Guidelines suggest that you should exercise at moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes, five times a week - and preferably every day. For kids, it's 60 minutes – so why not make this your goal too and enjoy a second childhood. Your half hour or hour of exercise doesn't even have to be completed in one go - dividing it into daily sessions of 10 - 15 minutes brings similar health benefits.
Even if you're busy, exercise CAN be fitted into your lifestyle. Start this week:
Monday:
From now on, walk or run up stairs rather than taking the lift or escalator.
Tuesday:
Choose one evening a week to avoid TV – go to the gym, kick a ball round the park or go dancing, cycling or swimming with family and friends.
Wednesday:
Take up a new, active hobby such as salsa, tap dancing, bowls, swimming, golf, rambling, cycling or horse-riding and make new friends.
Thursday:
Dig out that old skipping rope, pogo stick, trampoline or other exercise equipment that's gathering dust in the garage or attic. Start using it regularly while watching the evening news.
Friday:
From now on, walk or cycle reasonable distances rather than taking the car. How about a walk around the block in your lunch hour? Eat in the park rather than at your desk.
Saturday:
Walk or cycle to a local park, visitor attraction or country pub. Or stay at home and put extra effort into handy-man activities and gardening.
Sunday:
A brisk family walk helps to work off Sunday lunch. Take a Frisbee and have fun!
Dr. Sarah Brewer
Dr Sarah Brewer is a fully qualified doctor, as well as a registered nutritionist and is the Editor of Yourwellness digital magazine. Read the latest edition of Yourwellness here. Download the free app and get your free copy sent each month via your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.
by Dr. Sarah Brewer