As a recent article simply put it, exercise is medicine, period. Exercise has been associated with positive changes in a wide variety of conditions including but not limited to: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, different cancers, osteoarthritis, dementia, and depression. People have been preaching this for ages, and research studies continue to back it up in groves.

The problem isn’t that people are not aware of the benefits of exercise, it’s that people don’t know where to start. Current UK physical activity guidelines recommend that adults aged 19-64 should aim to be active daily, and suggest a minimum of 150 minutes (30 minutes five days a week) of moderate physical activity throughout the week. If you’re looking at trying to become active for the first time, these guidelines can be daunting. What you need to realise is that these are just guidelines, not a starting line.

Anything you can do above and beyond your current level of activity is going to be of benefit. Some people think exercise must be structured in the form of a sport or activity, however exercise can also be built into your everyday life without seeming so much like a chore. Whether it’s taking the dog out for a few laps around the block, parking further away from the shop, taking the stairs at work, or getting off the bus one stop earlier, it all makes a difference.

As you continue to build your levels of activity, along with your tolerance, you will want to aim towards achieving the minimum 150 minutes per week. Again, it is important to look at this as a goal to work towards rather than what’s expected of you right away to try and increase your chances of success.

If you want to learn more about how to increase your activity levels, and are also looking for some tips on how to prevent injuries along the way, don’t hesitate to contact us.