The importance of exercise and some top tips on how to get started…..

by Emma Jefferies

As a mum of two, I know how difficult it can be to find the time, let alone the inclination, to exercise and enjoy the benefits that follow.

We only have to listen to the media to hear how obesity in young people is on the rise and how sedentary many of us have become. Apart from the obvious benefits to physical health, exercise in any form has also been proven to improve mental wellbeing. Many of my participants say their mental health has improved as well as their cardio health, strength and shape.

Inclusion is really important to me, I genuinely want to encourage more people who wouldn’t normally join a class to come and have a go. Often people avoid exercise classes because they don’t think they are fit enough, they are too old or they are the wrong shape. Currently my classes include 12 to 72 year olds - all of different abilities, shapes and sizes. In one group there are three generations of the same family all working at different levels but within the same session.

One area I am passionate about is parents and children working out together. Mums and teenage daughters attending together is proving very popular and a really encouraging step to help parents influence the lifestyle choices that their children take. Seeing mums, dads and their teens all laughing (and sweating) together gives me such satisfaction and I hope encourages the young people to realise the health benefits of regular exercise and how important it is to make time to fit it into their future lives.

These are my tips for a healthier lifestyle

1. Make time

The most used excuse for not exercising; ‘I don't have the time!' A minimum of 30 minutes per day of an activity that increases your heart rate can really make a difference to your health. If your time schedule or ability restricts this then break it down to 3 x 10mins. Why not get off the bus a stop early, walk into town instead of taking the car, borrow a friend’s dog for a walk, run up the stairs at home instead of walking?

2. Eat less

Busy lives often result in grabbing food when you can, which are often results in poorly thought out choices. Try and plan ahead. Having healthy snacks to hand such as fruit, nuts, seeds or raisins are a great way to keep energy levels up and hunger pangs at bay. Within a healthy, balanced diet, a man needs around 2,500 calories per day to maintain a healthy weight and a woman 2,000.

3. Drink more water

Most people don't drink enough. It is vital that we keep ourselves hydrated in order for our bodies to function healthily. Government recommendations are 6-8 glasses of fluid per day depending on how healthy you are, how much exercise you are taking and how hot or dry the conditions are. Dehydration is often mistaken for hunger, so a top tip is always to drink a glass of water before food.

4. Get active together

It has been proven that double the amount of 'happy hormones' (endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin) are produced when exercising with company, as opposed to working out alone. Having a 'buddy' or 'buddies' can help you stay on track when you don't feel like being active and also encourages you to encourage one another to reach your goals.

5. Join a Sports Club

We have many fantastic clubs in our area from squash, football, rugby, tennis, walk and talk and many more. All welcome new members. It’s a great way to keep fit and meet new friends too.

Exercise is not only good for keeping us ‘heart healthy’ and ‘weight healthy’ it has huge benefits for our mind health too. Exercise really does enhance your mood and is proven to reduce stress too! We live in such a beautiful part of the country with so much to offer so even going for a walk could be, literally, your next step to a happier and healthier life. Enjoy!

Emma Jefferies

Fitness Instructor

07817 954498

E Mail: LEM2512@aol.com