The Fitness Industry Association tips for a healthy life

A study by Leeds Metropolitan University concluded that doctors should stop pressing patients to simply lose weight and showed that you can be fit and fat. The women in the study found significant improvements in health and mental well-being when encouraged not to diet but to take part in exercise classes.

The same results for weight loss can be achieved by dieting but weight on its own is not an indicator of good or poor health. We all know that exercise is good for us, but in reality, for most it is easier said than done. Many people need a special reason to kick start an active life.

New Year is a popular time with well meaning resolutions and people in high spirits and slightly over loaded from Christmas. Other reasons include getting married or meeting a new boy/girl friend and training for a charity fun run.

The truth is doing nothing is quite enjoyable. But, don’t over do it because physical activity can substantially reduce the risk of:

• Heart disease, the nations leading cause of death
• Colon cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure

• Control weight
• Build healthy bones, muscles and joints
• Reduce falls among older adults
• Relieve arthritis pain
• Alleviate anxiety and depression

If anything from this list surprised you, read on. Chronic diseases which kill us are largely preventable through exercise, but current physical activity levels in England are low amongst adults and children. Up to two-thirds of men and three-quarters of women are so inactive, that there is a substantial increase in their risk of contracting a broad range of chronic diseases.

The government is acutely aware of the need to tackle the health time bomb as, for the first time ever, there is a real possibility that parents will out live their children.

In a report entitled 'At least five a week', (2004) the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson said:

"People who are physically active reduce the risk of developing major chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes - by up to 50% and the risk of premature death by up to 20-30%. The annual cost of physical inactivity in England is estimated at £8.2 billion - including the rising costs of treating chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes."

Sir Liam Donaldson - Chief Medical Officer

With the emphasis on physical activity and not easy routes such as fad diets, where do you start? Try outlining what you like and dislike about being active? For most the list includes:

Common likes:

weight loss, toned physique, increased energy levels and a release of endorphins leaving a general feeling of well-being and the knowledge that it is good for your health.

Common dislikes:

feeling uncomfortable in gym kit, sweating, being red faced in public, feelings of inadequacy, not knowing what to do with the equipment, lack of time and cost.

Everyone has likes and dislikes. The following points may help you decide what activities will work well with your lifestyle.

MOTIVATION.

Motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going — Fitness First Health Clubs

Focusing on what you would enjoy as part of an active lifestyle is important as you’re is more likely to sustain it.

To keep you focused some gyms include personal training sessions in their packages, or at least a monthly catch up with a qualified instructor to measure your development, while others tend to leave you to your own devices. Be clear before you join which you prefer. Perhaps attending a group exercise studio class would keep you motivated, or if you prefer to work to your own schedule and targets, cardio machines and weights in a gym may meet your requirements.

SHARE.

Find a friend to exercise with. Not only will you have added encouragement and more fun, but you’ll feel guilty about letting them down if you miss a session.

BE REALISTIC.

Take it slowly and make time for physical activity. Set yourself realistic targets and move the goal posts little by little. If running is not your thing, you wouldn’t dream of entering a marathon, so why torture yourself with something you may not be able to sustain.

ENERGY.

Exercise gives you more energy and releases endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel good’ chemical, leaving you feeling happy and de-stressed.

BALANCE.

Try and get a balance between your social life and your new active life. Set regular days to exercise so that it becomes a habit, you are more likely to enjoy it and keep it up. Out door pursuits are a great way to sustain activity levels such as walking, horse riding and gardening which add variety and may feel less like a time absorber.

LOCATION.

If the gym is your thing, consider whether one closer to home or work would suit you best. The more convenient it is for the times you are most likely to want to workout the harder it will be to make excuses not to go.

CLASSES.

Some health clubs and leisure centres have a huge gym floor, but limited studio space, while others have multiple studios and an extensive class timetable but may have a limited range of fitness equipment. Carefully consider what is most important for you, treadmills you won’t have to queue for or three weekly pilates classes.

OTHER OFFERINGS.

Do you want more from your gym than just a workout? If joining a gym is more about well-being you may require somewhere offering spa treatments or lunch once in a while.

ASK AROUND.

Speak to friends, family or colleagues to see what works for them, you might even find yourself a new work out buddy.

BE SAFE.

When using a health club or leisure centre, ask whether they are FIA registered and comply with the FIA Code of Practice, covering health and safety, staff training and customer care. FIA registered health clubs and leisure centres are committed to your well-being and exceed strive to the standards set by law.

Investing in yourself is important if you want to enjoy the benefits of a long and healthy life and to quote a famous cosmetics company it’s also ‘because you’re worth it!’

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