There are all kinds of reasons why many of us find it hard to start exercising – our day-to-day lives require a lot less physical activity than in our grandparents’ or even parents’ day. Most of us own cars and rely on them to get around, and more and more people spend hours sitting in front of computers.
The pressures of home and family life can also mean it feels as if there’s little time left to fit in exercise. It’s certainly tough to get started.
The pressures of home and family life can also mean it feels as if there’s little time left to fit in exercise. It’s certainly tough to get started.
- Physical inactivity is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease – in other words, if you don’t exercise you dramatically increase your risk of dying from a heart attack
- Conversely, exercise means a healthier heart because it reduces several cardiovascular risks, including high blood pressure
- Being physically active can bolster good mental health and help you to manage stress, anxiety and even depression
- Regular exercise can help you achieve and maintain an ideal weight, which can be important in managing many health conditions, or may just make you feel happier about your appearance
- All exercise helps strengthen bones and muscles to some degree, but weightbearing exercise, such as running, is especially good in promoting bone density and protecting against osteoporosis, which affects men as well as women
- Different exercises help with all sorts of health niggles, such as digestion, poor posture and sleeplessness, and physical activity can be beneficial for a range of medical conditions, from diabetes to lower back pain
There are lots of positive reasons for getting fitter including meeting new people, discovering new interests and generally feeling better. If you have not exercised for a long period of time or have an existing medical condition, it is always wise to consult your GP before starting a new activity.
