Health risks through lack of exercise

Almost two-thirds of adults could be threatening their future health because of a lack of exercise, according to a new study.

A lack of regular exercise increases the risk of obesity as well as a number of life-threatening illnesses like cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Experts recommend 30 minutes of exercise, five days a week.

The study, by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, found that one in five people exercise less than once a month.

Furthermore, more than a third of people surveyed said that they got out of breath fairly quickly from walking up a flight of stairs.

“Most people know physical activity is good for their health but when it comes to doing it, exercise simply isn’t a priority,” the researchers said.

“Regular physical activity is as important as eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and people need to understand that you can’t keep putting it off.”

In the study, the most common reason people gave for not taking regular exercise was that they were too busy with work (35%).

One-quarter of respondents said they did not exercise because they felt too tired or unwell.

More than half of the respondents said that they would take more regular exercise if they could fit it into their existing daily routine.

Almost two in five people said they would exercise if it were free.

“Exercise does not require expensive equipment or lots of spare time,” the researchers said.

“Just going outside at lunchtime for a half-hour walk every day will greatly increase your fitness levels.

“One of the best ways to counteract feeling ill and tired – one of the main reasons people don't exercise – is by becoming more active, which actually gives you more energy.”

Find an activity that you enjoy, such as dancing or gardening, and this will make it much easier to maintain the sort of lifestyle that includes regular exercise, the researchers concluded.

[Posted: Wed 08/07/2009]