The Guardian’s How to Stay Fit Forever: 25 Tips When Life Gets in the Way
When it comes to exercise, we think about how to “get” fit. But often, starting out is not the problem. “The big problem is maintaining it,” says Falko Sniehotta, a professor of behavioural medicine and health psychology at Newcastle University. The official UK guidelines say adults should do strength exercises, as well as 150 minutes of moderate activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, every week. According to the Health Survey for England in 2016, 34% of men and 42% of women are not hitting the aerobic exercise targets, and even more – 69% and 77% respectively – are not doing enough strengthening activity. A report from the World Health Organization in September found that people in the UK were among the least active in the world, with 32% of men and 40% of women reporting inactivity. Meanwhile, obesity is adding to the chronic long-term diseases cited in Public Health England’s analysis, which shows women in the UK are dying earlier than in most EU countries..
We all know we should be doing more, but how do we keep moving when our motivation slips, the weather takes a turn for the worse or life gets in the way? Try these 25 pieces of advice from experts and Guardian readers to keep you going.
Work out why, don’t just work out
Get off to a slow start
You don’t have to love it
Be kind to yourself
Don’t rely on willpower
Find a purpose
Make it a habit
Plan and prioritize
Keep it short and sharp
If it doesn’t work, change it
Add resistance and balance training as you get older
Up the ante
Work out from home
Get out of breath
Be sensible about illness
Seek advice after injury
Take it slowly after pregnancy
Tech can help
Winter is not an excuse
Keep it bite-size
Reward yourself
Call in the reinforcements
Use visual motivation
Keep alarms out of reach
Follow the four-day rule
Full article available here: How to Stay Fit Forever: 25 Tips When Life Gets in the Way
