Looking at images of ourselves is great motivation
A picture may in fact say a thousand words, but for us Brits it also has motivated us into a health kick.
Nearly one third of women living a healthy lifestyle have taken up exercise after looking at a photograph of themselves with just under one in five health conscious males also doing the same, according to a latest research campaign by Healthcare company Bupa.
The campaign, supported by TV personality Gethin Jones, delved into the habits of those leading a healthy lifestyle to find out what motivates these particular individuals to stay fit and healthy, ahead of the Bupa Great South Run this weekend.
Surprisingly, health mad celebrities are a fitness turn-off; only 4% say that a celebrity’s body has ever motivated them to exercise. Results indicate that a quarter of women surveyed also admit to using special occasions including Christmas parties as motivation to exercise.
Other main motivations for both men and women to stay healthy through exercise include, wanting to improve one’s mood, to fit into clothes and to relieve the stress of work.
According to Bupa, Sunday still remains the ‘day of rest’ with ‘Brits’ living the healthy lifestyle putting their feet up on Sunday more than any other day of the week. Fitness on a Friday seems to have replaced the traditional post work trip to the pub, with it being the day those surveyed are least likely to avoid exercise.
Television personality Gethin Jones, ambassador for the campaign said: “It’s easier than you think to become a healthier person; it’s the small changes that make a big difference. Bupa’s campaign shows there are many motivations to adopt a healthy lifestyle, but for me it has always been setting myself challenges. That is why I am currently training for the Bupa Great South Run which has helped me to stay focused and get up for that morning run.”
The campaign, by Bupa, aimed to examine the behavioural habits and motivations of those who live a healthy lifestyle to ascertain how and why they maintain their regime and fitness. Working closely with a medical expert, Bupa defined the criteria for a healthy lifestyle as individuals who partake in five 30 minute sessions of exercise a week, consume a minimum of five daily portions of fruit and veg with a low saturated fat and salt diet, are non-smokers and who do not drink heavily.
Dr Steven Luttrell, Medical Director, Bupa Health Clinics said: “It has been very interesting to see exactly what it is that keeps those living the ‘healthy lifestyle,’ motivated and active. However, while people’s behaviours and motivations may differ, the importance of following this health choice remains the same for all. By eating well and keeping active, people should be able to improve their general health and wellbeing. So, whatever it is that keeps you focused, I would urge people to keep active and eat well and they should really feel the difference.
Gethin Jones will be demonstrating his commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle by participating in Sunday’s Bupa Great South Run in Portsmouth. The world’s premier 10 mile running event attracts 25,000 people and takes in the iconic sights of Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.
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