Having researched, studied and lived health and fitness for over three decades, I’ve learned so much and experienced more. From fad diets to the hottest new exercise craze, I’ve seen it all and tried many. Today I live a simple healthy life with a diet of fresh, local produce and an exercise regime that consists of enjoying the nature and beauty that surround me with treks up the hills and mountains, swimming in the Atlantic and walking the stunning coastal paths. It was a long road to here with many highs and lows. I want to share those with you and, hopefully, help you avoid the pitfalls by learning from my mistakes.
Health and fitness is such a broad term it can cover anything and everything so here, I will start by talking about what is, undoubtedly, the most popular. Weight loss is a topic that is never out of fashion as we strive to have the perfect body. Beach fit with ads to die for and fitness levels to match. But it is not all about the optics. How you feel and your medical fitness are now recognised for the importance they hold. Whatever your size, if you’re healthy you’re halfway there. It is easier than ever before to understand what constitutes a healthy lifestyle so let’s start with that. While walking 10,000 steps daily is outside the remit for many there are many other ways of getting exercise and keeping fit. Medical recommendations suggest 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of high intensity aerobic exercise per week, or a combination of both. Worldwide these levels are echoed, from the American Heart Association to the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. But for those who lead sedentary lifestyles this may seem daunting. I’m here to tell you it’s ok to start small. I’ve been there. That first step is always the hardest so get some support. It makes all the difference. As for the embarrassment, it’s all in your head. We often fear what people think to the point of paralysis. Psychologists call it the Spotlight Effect. We think people are looking at us and judging us when they are simply doing the same, thinking we are judging them. If you have someone to take those first steps with you, encouraging and supporting you as you tentatively get off the couch and go for a walk, it really can make all the difference. They can help you get outside your own head and find the positives. Take a walk in the park or the hills or along the seafront. Whatever is convenient to you. A pretty setting can distract you from the discomfort you initially feel and make it easier to repeat. So give it a try. Even a 10 minute walk to start with is going to benefit you and you will graduate to 30 minutes within a week or two without major discomfort. If walking is not your thing then try a short exercise video on YouTube or a local fitness class (from beginners up, there is something for every level of fitness). Then there’s swimming, cycling, jogging and any number of other pursuits that will have you feeling healthier and happier in no time. The health benefits of regular exercise cannot be overstated, and not just the physical ones either. Mental health improves, blood pressure is lowered, risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke diminish and there are even studies that link regular exercise (even moderate levels) to lower risks of Alzheimers and other Dementias. There is no greater gift you can give yourself than a healthy body. And it is something you most truly deserve. So get out there. Start small and stick with it. You will be so very glad you did.
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
Health & Fitness Reviews 