What can I do? Increase your exercise
Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Not only does regular exercise help to maintain overall fitness and manage weight loss, it can lower the risk of many life-threatening conditions.
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People who exercise regularly are likely to live longer and enjoy a better quality of life. In fact, studies have shown that being physically unfit is just as dangerous as smoking in terms of lowering life expectancy. Regular exercise also improves mental and emotional health. The chemicals and hormones that are released in the brain through exercise can help deal with stress and promote happiness.
Regular activity and exercise is an important part of any weight loss programme. There are many ways to improve your fitness and to have fun at the same time.
Brisk walking for 30 minutes a day will actively encourage weight loss, as the muscles become bulkier, they demand more fuel from your body. You could try using a pedometer (step counter) and aiming for 10,000 steps a day (this is about 5 miles). Wear it all day and if you haven't done your target by the end of the day, go for a short walk!
Think about when you can be more active and try doing a combination of different things e.g. walking, cycling, swimming or dancing. Try to incorporate exercise into your daily life, taking a walk at lunchtime, taking the stairs instead of the lift or just parking the car further away from your destination can all help.
Ideally, the minimum amount of exercise an adult should aim to do is 30 minutes of activity at least five days per week, increasing up to 60 minutes per day. However, you do not have to do it all at once, a 15 minutes of activity in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening can count.. The activity should be something that makes your heart rate increase, gets you warm, mildly out of breath and mildly sweaty.
For ideas for getting active and local facilities click below:-
Health Walks Botley: A new free healthwalk has been launched starting from the Botley Centre, Botley on Wednesday afternoons at 2pm. This brisk walk lasts around one hour and is led by volunteer leaders.
Hedge End: On Thursdays 9.30am- Drummond Centre, Drummond Road, Hedge End. A slower walk alongside a brisker walk.
Ramblers Association
Wildern Sports Centre
Wyvern Leisure Centre
Fleming Park
Hampshire Tennis and Health Club
Pushy Mothers (exercise for parents with buggies)
Referral for exercise to local Leisure Centres at reduced cost is possible for people with a wide variety of health problems. Please ask your GP or nurse for further details.