It's never too late

It’s coming up to a New Year and we know from past experience that the gyms will be busy.  There will be lots of new members who have set great goals and who will work very hard to achieve them.

But what about all the people who don’t do any exercise at all?  Those who feel its all too late and they can’t make any changes now?  They mustn’t give up – there is always hope.   The health of even the most sedentary person can be improved.  The key is to find something to do that you enjoy and is sustainable.  Now I hate swimming, so it would be no point me saying that I am going to swim four times a week, it’s just not going to happen.  But I am determined to get my 10,000 steps in every day.  And (now keep this quiet, I don’t want everyone watching) I do a little work out on the bench half way round the woods.  Calm yourselves; its 30 press ups. 30 tricep dips, 30 squats, 60 lateral lunges and 60 step ups.  The dog sits quietly and watches and keeps guard, if anyone comes in sight he gives me a warning! 

We can all do something and it will make a difference.  Research published in the ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’ has shown that even a 10 minute walk makes a difference to memory capacity.  Sitting around (according to the NHS) increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer, not to mention heart disease and stroke.  But getting moving can bring the risk down again. 

So if walking helps, why bother with the gym?  Come to the gym because the best combination is some cardio work (cross trainer, rowing, biking, walking, running) combined with shifting some weights.  Working with weights builds muscle, having more muscle keeps your joints strong and raises the rate that you burn calories – what’s not to like?  If you’re not sure what to do – just ask.  There is always someone on shift who can help. 

Don’t wait for the New Year – get to the gym – it will make such a difference.