There is no getting away from the fact that inactivity is a major health burden not only on yourself, but also society as a whole! The longer you stay sat on your sofa, the greater the risk of heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Not only that, but daily living becomes much more demanding if you continue your inactivity into your 60s and 70s. Balance issues create lack of confidence and with reduced strength, everyday tasks more become increasingly challenging.
According to NHS Choices “Sitting for long periods is thought to slow the metabolism, which affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat. Many adults in the UK spend more than seven hours a day sitting or lying, and this typically increases with age to 10 hours or more. This includes watching TV, using a computer, reading, doing homework, travelling by car, bus or train but does not include sleeping.”
The good news is, it’s never too late to start exercising and acquire the subsequent health benefits that physical activity brings. The functional health benefits from taking part in regular exercise far outweigh the sedentary lifestyle choice and can have a tremendous benefit for the aging population.
If you have had, or you feel like you have had a lifetime of inactivity it's hard to get started, but one of the easiest things to do is to try and reduce the amount of time spent sitting every day. Don’t worry about which exercise, just think about moving more.
One great tip I heard this week from a client, was, tell your closet friends, you are going to start taking care of yourself. Encourage them to encourage you! When they go for a walk, try to get them to invite you and vice versa. Ask them not to try and tempt you away from your plan with meals out, coffee and cakes or nights on the town!
Remember, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Jim Rohn.
According to NHS Choices “Sitting for long periods is thought to slow the metabolism, which affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat. Many adults in the UK spend more than seven hours a day sitting or lying, and this typically increases with age to 10 hours or more. This includes watching TV, using a computer, reading, doing homework, travelling by car, bus or train but does not include sleeping.”
The good news is, it’s never too late to start exercising and acquire the subsequent health benefits that physical activity brings. The functional health benefits from taking part in regular exercise far outweigh the sedentary lifestyle choice and can have a tremendous benefit for the aging population.
If you have had, or you feel like you have had a lifetime of inactivity it's hard to get started, but one of the easiest things to do is to try and reduce the amount of time spent sitting every day. Don’t worry about which exercise, just think about moving more.
One great tip I heard this week from a client, was, tell your closet friends, you are going to start taking care of yourself. Encourage them to encourage you! When they go for a walk, try to get them to invite you and vice versa. Ask them not to try and tempt you away from your plan with meals out, coffee and cakes or nights on the town!
Remember, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Jim Rohn.
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