Wednesday 21st September… A date we should all have in our diaries. A national day to raise awareness around exercise. A day to encourage people to meet up, to complete some physical activity together. It is about health and community, a healthy community. Bringing everyone together to do something good for their physical, social, and mental health. Creating positive habits.
You don’t need to be completing a marathon or climbing a mountain. It is about physical activity and doing something for you which you enjoy. When thinking about moving, you want to do activities which you enjoy. This promotes adherence and motivates you to do more.
So, what counts as physical activity?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) define physical activity as “… all movement including during leisure time, for transport to get to and from places, or as part of a person's work.”
So basically, any movement counts. You could be walking around the shops, playing in the park with family, cycling to work, gardening, hoovering, decorating, litter picking... there are so many ideas, but one thing you want to focus on is your breathing. You want to be out of breath, but you should still be able to maintain a conversation. We are focusing on moderate levels when considering physical activity. It doesn’t have to be intense, but if you enjoy a run, circuit session, lengths in the pool, then having a structured session does have its benefits, training at vigorous levels. You want to pick an intensity which works for you and your ability.
What does physical activity mean to you?
National fitness gets you thinking about daily movement, adding structure, purpose and supporting individuals who are inactive.
Is there a family member or friend who keeps saying they need to do more or wants to try something which is out of their comfort zone. Is that person you? This is the day to begin. Let’s save the date, 21st September. Invite that friend out on a walk or book yourself into that Pilates class. Let’s try make a conscious effort to try something we’ve always wanted to do on the 21st September. Book that tennis club trial. It could be anything new which counts as physical activity.
It is easy to allow the day pass but imagine if the whole of the UK did something positive for their health on this one day. There would be engagement, happiness, sweat and smiles all round. It would be the first step to a healthier nation.
Recent research by UK Active has shown 69% of people surveyed believe exercise is the best approach to support the NHS, ahead of quitting smoking, alcohol, improving diet and paying taxes. So let’s begin. www.ukactive.com/news/brits-say-getting-more-exercise-is-the-best-way-they-can-support-nhs/
If you want to know more about exercise guidelines for different ages, please refer to the following reference - www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/
To find out more about the event, you can read more at www.nationalfitnessday.com/#national-fitness-day-more
If you have anything fun planned, please share your ideas or the event details. Invite others. Let’s get moving!
