As winter draws in along with the ability to perhaps let things go a bit and hide your body behind extra layers of clothing, new statistics released today by Fitbit show that Brits are making the most of excuses to stay indoors and are largely ignorant about any potential dangers.
More than 85% of us say we have come up with some sort of excuse for not exercising, with struggling to fit it in around work, not feeling fit enough, not being able to afford to exercise and finding it boring the top reasons for giving exercise a miss.
Health experts state that we should be spending at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as cycling or fast walking every week. But the study has found that only one in five does the recommended level of exercise. The average time we spend exercising is just 72 minutes, equivalent to only 40% of the recommended weekly total. And backing this up, if given the option, the majority of us would always choose take the bus or drive two miles instead of walk it, while more than two thirds will take the escalator over the stairs.
However, if you think you’ll feel better over the next few months by closing the curtains, settling in front of the telly under a duvet and letting your running shoes grow mouldy, think again. According to the poll, one in eight people have become ill due to lack of exercise whilst substantial medical research shows the ill effects of not doing exercise, including an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and even premature death.
Incidental exercise on a regular basis such as walking to the local shops instead of driving and choosing to walk up stairs instead of take the escalator can be a good start for the exercise avoidant amongst us. And it’s especially important to make sure you fit in daily bouts of exercise during the winter time as we lose the natural inclination in summer to go outside for a walk or play a game of tennis in the park. It’s also a prime time to pile on the pounds.
This is not to mention the affect our more sedentary winter ways have on our mental health. With millions set to suffer from SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, due to less light, cutting out exercise can also exacerbate mental health issues.
So just how dangerous to your health is it to shut down physically over winter and how can you overcome the cold and dark to stay active?
Dr Rob Hicks Celebrity Doctor and Peter Groom, UK manager, Fitbit, join us now on the following podcast….
