Good news for all of you, who like me, hate gym……

I hate exercise. I feel physically ill when I run. I tried gym – briefly, I was so bored. But I know that exercise is beneficial. I know I should do it. And I know the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle.

But the recommended exercise regimes are unrealistic (especially for someone who dislikes it!), so it was with great interest, that I read the latest edition of “Physical Activity Guidelines”, released by the US Department of Health and Human Sciences. And I was very encouraged to see that the new recommendations first advocate simply “moving more and sitting less”!

The new guidelines demonstrate, based on the best science, everyone can dramatically improve their health, just by moving, anytime, anywhere, and by any means that get you active.

The benefits of physical activity, not only on cardiovascular health, but on overall health cannot be overstated.

Physical activity has immediate benefits:

• A single episode can reduce anxiety and blood pressure, improve quality of sleep and increase insulin sensitivity.
• Physical activity can decrease the pain of osteoarthritis, slow down the progression of hypertension and type 2 diabetes, reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression and even improve cognition in people with Alzheimer’s’ Disease.
• Physical activity prevents chronic disease: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes as well as breast and colon cancer.
• Physical activity has long term benefits: increased brain health, decreased risk of falls and the reduced risk of eight types of cancer.

Ideally, older adults are recommended to do multi-component exercise including balance training, aerobic and muscle strengthening activities, but the most important message from the 2018 guidelines is that the greatest health benefits accrue by moving from no to even small amounts of physical activity.

“Some physical activity is better than none and more physical activity is even better”.

Sr. Erika Janutsch: Nursing Manager at The Somerset

To read more about Health Care at The Somerset, click here.