The importance of exercise and fitness to health and wellbeing

The last year is unprecedented; three periods of national lockdown with a daily walk sometimes the only permitted exercise. It’s no wonder people have felt frustrated and fitness levels have suffered. Exercise and fitness are key to boosting wellbeing and morale and so it would seem sensible to focus on them, and yet life can and does so often get in the way. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly given rise to a massive shift in lifestyle for most people; remote working, home schooling, living and working in the home, lack of social contact, sports facilities closed, and the list goes on.

It’s been a testing time, and yet it should have put our health at the forefront of our minds. People in general good health have been shown to have a better chance against Covid-19, as with other viruses, and so we should all want to be in the best possible fitness and health.

Exercise is proven to reduce the risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30% - see the NHS website.

It goes on: “Research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”

That’s powerful stuff and we really should all take note.

Medical evidence shows that people who do regular physical activity have: 

• Up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke

• Up to a 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes

• Up to a 50% lower risk of colon cancer

• Up to a 20% lower risk of breast cancer

• Up to a 30% lower risk of early death

• Up to an 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis

• Up to a 68% lower risk of hip fracture

• Up to a 30% lower risk of falls (among older adults)

• Up to a 30% lower risk of depression

• Up to a 30% lower risk of dementia

So, how do you get these stats to work in your favour? Well to stay healthy, the NHS website says adults should aim to be active each day and aim to achieve at least 150 minutes physical activity during a week through a mix of activities.

For activity to benefit your health you have to be moving quickly enough to raise your heart rate, breathe quicker and feel warmer. This is known as moderate intensity activity. When you work harder it’s called vigorous intensity activity and there is strong evidence that vigorous activity can bring health benefits beyond those of moderate activity.

Many people live sedentary lifestyles nowadays, with many hours spent sitting down – this is not good for your health or wellbeing. Research evidences that many adults spend over seven hours a day sitting down. People aged over 65 spend 10 hours or over each day sitting or lying down. That’ a lot of time. The Department of Health cites inactivity as a “silent killer”.

If you are invested in yourself, your health and wellbeing, you should get active! If you are struggling, or not feeling motivated, why not consider using a personal trainer?

The Coaching Club can help you take your fitness and life to a new level. Sign up to a personal training programme with The Coaching Club and see the change that can happen!

Our personal trainers cover Sheffield, Doncaster and South Yorkshire, offering personal training at the gym or at your home.

We offer total flexibility in personal training programmes.

Our one-to-one personal training offers you flexible packages and your personal trainer will be with you every step of the way.

Reach your goals, push your limits and achieve greatness in 2021 with The Coaching Club.

Contact us now. Phone: 07940 990498 or email coachingclubuk@gmail.com