Let’s get this year off to a good start!

And then you realise, you're inactive, overweight eating the wrong things and feeling a little sorry for yourself. You don’t know which way to turn and you lack the motivation, even though you know you have to halt this downward spiral! But it doesn't have to be that way. You don't want it to be that way.
Let's take stock, gain some perspective and make a plan!

There is no getting away from the fact that inactivity is a major health burden. The longer you stay sat on your sofa, the greater the risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Daily living becomes much harder if you continue your inactivity into your 60s and 70s. Balance, confidence and reduced strength will make everyday tasks more difficult.  “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.” Source NHS Choices.

The good news is, it’s never too late to start exercising and what’s better, there are so many health benefits that physical activity brings. According to Bill Kohl, a professor of epidemiology and kinesiology at the University of Texas at Austin. Physical activity “is remarkable for preventing falls and therefore risks of broken hips." The functional health benefits from becoming a regular exerciser 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

​To help you focus on becoming a healthier you, use the chart below to record where you are right now in terms of health. Over the coming weeks, we will provide more information on each segment so that you can improve your score in each aspect of health and reach Spring healthier, fitter, and happier!