A comprehensive study of over 300,000 adults has found that "middle-aged couch potatoes" starting to exercise can lower the risk of early death just as if they had been fit from their teens.
The recommended weekly leisure-time activity - 150 minutes of moderate aerobic work, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise - cuts the risk of early death by up to 43%. But those who were keen exercisers in early adulthood, and then gave up, lost all the health benefits they had gained!!
Dr. Pedro Saint-Maurice, of the National Cancer Institute in the United States said:
" we specifically found that being inactive across early adulthood, but increasing activity later, at 40 to 61, was associated with the risk reduction in mortality. Therefore, our findings suggest it is not too late for adults to become active. These benefits held similarly for both men and women, and were independent of any changes in BMI."
HMHB loves introducing our service users to different experiences around physical health - movement, flexibility and exercise. It's not just about having access to a gym - you can be fitter just by walking outdoors and do various exercises at home, preferably with a friend. We make it fun and groups can help to motivate and encourage. Give yourself realistic goals and encourage others to push you towards them. It does not have to be a strain or an effort. The gains are obvious!!
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