Even moderate activity can help maintain your overall health and wellbeing, help manage your weight; help keep your bones and muscles healthy and even help you to feel good.

The problem lies in getting enough exercise, partly because of other demands on our time and partly because of the ‘push button’ culture we live in that takes the physical activity out of so many everyday tasks.

To begin feeling the benefits, you don’t have to throw yourself into high impact exercise at the gym. There are plenty of ways you can gradually increase your levels of physical activity in your normal day-to-day life:

• Go for a brisk walk or jog.
• Walk to the shops for ‘light’ shopping.
• Use the stairs instead of the lift or escalators.
• Get off the bus a stop early and walk home.
• Walk the kids to school instead of driving.
• Take children and pets for walks in the park.
• Organise a regular sporting activity with friends or work mates.

The only rule is to be as active as possible, as often as you can, whenever you can. As a guide, you should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity such as walking, swimming, squash, football or even gardening everyday.

Gradually increase the intensity of your exercise when you feel ready. If you need some help with exercise ideas or have questions about how long you should exercise for or how to reach your specific individual goals, contact an exercise specialist or personal trainer, or talk to the staff at your local gym. If you have any health issues or don’t usually exercise remember to check with your Doctor first. 

The secret is to do the sort of exercise and activities you enjoy the most and to change things every so often to stop yourself getting bored. Exercise on your own or with the family or a group of friends; the variety, support and friendly competition will all improve your chance of success!