Enjoyable Activity – The Basics
“Regular physical activity has a wealth of benefits, but today most of us tend to be quite inactive, primarily because we live in a ‘push-button culture’ full of labour saving devices”, says Tony Hirving a Dietitian and who also has fitness qualifications.
“Computers, video games, cars, escalators and automatic doors all contribute to our sedentary lifestyles. Regular physical activity can improve your overall health and help prevent disease. In addition, research consistently shows that combined with healthy eating habits, regular physical activity is a great way to help you to control your weight” Tony adds.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
- “I can spot reduce fat from my tummy/thighs/butts…” Unfortunately, this is a very common mistake – one that many ‘fitness experts’ would like you to believe so you buy their book / DVD. Weight loss is pretty much an ‘all over body experience’. Yes you can ‘tone’ certain areas of your body by exercising that part – there is, however, no way you can control how you body disperses fat. So no matter how many crunches you do, or how high you turn up your electric muscle-stimulating belt, you won’t make fat disappear only from your belly. It will be lost overall.
- “There’s no gain without pain”. It’s important to try to enjoy some regular, vigorous exercise several days of the week but there is no need to ‘feel the burn’! As a guide, when you are exercising if you can sing you’re not working hard enough, but if you can’t talk then you are possible overdoing it and should slow down. When you are exercising you should be able to hold a conversation with someone next to you.
- “Overweight people shouldn’t exercise as they may hurt themselves”. Anyone of any size can do something. Start with something simple and not too strenuous. Both swimming and cycling are easy to do and are low-impact so are easy on your joints. Remember too that the only proven way to lose weight and keep it off is to follow a sensible eating pattern and a regular programme of physical activity.
- “Old people can’t start a new exercise programme”. Anyone can get active at any age. Exercise protects against disease such as heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and osteoporosis – changing lifestyle in old age is beneficial. Scientists have shown that even people in their eighties and nineties can improve their fitness and improve their health. Challenge your GP if he/she says the cause of your ailment is ‘old age’.
Tips & Tricks
Dress appropriately for the occasion. Choose clothes that are fit for the purpose and remember to wear layers.
- Start gradually and exercise at a comfortable pace.
- Buy a plastic water bottle with a sports cap and fill it with a drink of your choice. Water is great but you may wish to flavour it up with a little sugar free squash, lemon, lime or juice because if you like the taste you will probably drink more and stay well hydrated.
- Find an exercise buddy. It’s much more fun if you do things with friends and family.
- Do any exercise that you enjoy. After all, if you don’t enjoy it you probably won’t do it, or you’ll start and then give up.
- Vary your activities and remember to stretch and strengthen. Variety is the spice of life so try to do different activities to stop you getting bored.
It may be that you have had bad memories of exercise from school. Remember that there is a world of difference between exercising for health benefits and school PE lessons.