When was the last time you worked out?
Our exercise levels are just not where they are supposed to be as new research reveals that 1 in 10 of us haven’t even gone for a five minute walk in the last month.
The research comes as a shock because we’re all aware of the beneficial health factors of keeping fit and active, which include keeping the pounds at bay and helping to stave off diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
The study found that nearly 80% of the population fails to hit the key national government targets, which is to perform exercise for 30 minutes at least 12 times a month.
One of the report’s authors, Professor Carol Propper, commented to the Guardian, she described the results as ‘staggering… The level of physical activity is shockingly low.’
As well as the low walking figures, 88% had not been swimming, 90% had not used a gym and 20% of people who did exercise admitted that they had only done the bare minimum.
Dave Kyle, Head Trainer at Les Mills comments:
"Everyone knows the importance of maintaining a good diet and keeping fit but research announced this week indicates that many aren't putting this knowledge into practice. Busy lifestyles are often put to blame but just 30 minutes of exercise three times a week, can make dramatically improve your health – improving heart and lung fitness, strength and endurance and even bone health."
The research comes from the University of Bristol and was deemed one of the most comprehensive studies of physical fitness levels to be carried out in England.
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