Despite overwhelming evidence that regular exercise combats obesity and decreases the chance of developing a serious illness, it seems that most people are still not putting enough activity into their daily (or even weekly) routine.
20 per cent of those questioned exercise only once a month or less. Although 41 per cent said that they would take regular exercise if it led to a longer or healthier life, and over half if it would help weight loss, the figures point to a significant gulf between what people say and what they do.
The survey was conducted by Opinium Research for The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), through an on-line poll of 2,084 UK adults between 9 and 14 April 2009.
Despite overwhelming evidence that regular exercise combats obesity and decreases the chance of developing a serious illness, the CSP survey reveals many people are ignoring basic health advice.
20 per cent of those questioned exercise only once a month or less. Although 41 per cent said that they would take regular exercise if it led to a longer or healthier life, and over half (52 per cent) if it would help weight loss, the figures point to a significant gulf between what people say and do
For example, over half of people questioned said that they would take more regular exercise if they could fit it into their existing daily routine, and 39 per cent said it would help if exercise were free.
But the most frequently suggested method of starting to exercise is simple walking. If this is done for half an hour each work-day lunchtime, the target of 30 minutes exercise 5 times a week, for adults, is easily met.
Experts suggest 30 minutes of moderate exercise, 5 times a week for adults
Exercise is widely recognised to help prevent a variety of illnesses, including coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. It is also a great help in weight management, although to overcome or prevent obesity up to one hour of moderate activity per day is recommended.
Once you have built up - gently - to the recommended level, you can increase the benefits by using the FITT Principle:
Frequency
Exercise more often. As long as you don´t over train or injure yourself, the more exercise the better.
Intensity
Walk faster, or up and down hills, cycle faster or do some heavy digging. You should try & raise your heart-rate, but not be out-of-breath.
Time
Whatever you like to do, so it for longer. Again, as long as you don´t hurt yourself, in this case less isn´t more
Type
Try something different. If you only do one type of exercise, your body gets used to it and you could get bored. Change is good - mix up your routine by cycling instead of walking, relive your children by getting a skipping rope, or treat yourself to a swim in your local pool