The Importance of Maintaining an Active Lifestyle
Physical activity is a crucial part of healthy aging. As we grow older, it becomes even more essential to prioritize regular exercise and movement to maintain our physical and mental wellbeing. National Fitness Day is the perfect time to reflect on our lifestyle choices and explore ways to incorporate more activity into our daily lives.
Professor Alison McGregor, a former NHS physiotherapist and elite sports researcher from Imperial College London’s Department of Surgery and Cancer, has dedicated her career to understanding the benefits of physical activity. “We all know that physical activity is good for our health and wellbeing,” she explains. “National Fitness Day is a great time to think about our lifestyle choices, particularly our balance of physical activity and sedentary activities.”
One of the main challenges we face as we age is the gradual decline in our metabolism and muscle mass. This can lead to weight gain and increased risk of various health issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. However, regular exercise can help mitigate these changes and keep our bodies strong and resilient.
Finding Joy in Movement
Professor McGregor’s own journey with physical activity is a testament to the lifelong benefits of an active lifestyle. “My career began as a physiotherapist in the NHS, but I dreamed about working in sport,” she shares. “At that time, I played a range of racquet sports and hockey.”
Although she no longer competes, Professor McGregor remains deeply passionate about physical activity. “My passion for sport and activity persists, and although I no longer compete, I run most days, cycle to work and occasionally go on long hikes and expeditions to stunning parts of the world.”
For many of us, the thought of starting a new exercise routine can be daunting, especially if we haven’t been active in a while. Professor McGregor encourages everyone to start small and find activities they genuinely enjoy. “Physical activity can simply be any activity that gets us moving and using our muscles and breaks the cycle of sitting for long periods.”
Breaking the Sedentary Habit
One of the significant challenges we face in modern society is the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles. Many of us spend the majority of our days sitting at desks, in front of screens, or in the car. This prolonged inactivity can have detrimental effects on our health.
“Sitting for more than 6-8 hours – which many of us do during the average working day – is not good for us,” warns Professor McGregor. “So, how do we change this?”
The good news is that there are many simple and accessible ways to incorporate more movement into our daily routines. Professor McGregor suggests:
- Using a standing desk or taking regular standing breaks during the workday
- Choosing the stairs over the elevator whenever possible
- Going for short walks during your lunch break
- Cycling or walking to work instead of driving
“Changing our behaviours and establishing a habit of physical activity can be hard, and sometimes we need to get fit to exercise,” she acknowledges. “Fortunately, there are many tools available to support people in becoming more active like the NHS Couch to 5K plan, as well as apps to increase your walking.”
The Mental and Physical Benefits of an Active Lifestyle
The benefits of regular physical activity extend far beyond physical health. Exercise has been shown to have a profound impact on our mental wellbeing, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
“Physical activity offers numerous physical benefits, such as keeping your joints and bones strong, and mental health benefits, like reducing anxiety and stress,” explains Professor McGregor. “It also aids in recovery when you have been ill.”
For those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy body composition, exercise can be a powerful tool. However, Professor McGregor cautions that the relationship between physical activity and weight is not always straightforward.
“Some people become more active or start exercising to lose weight but forget that as you exercise, you develop muscle, and you may feel hungrier and eat more. That said physical activity can help control the weight we can gain as we age and our metabolism slows down.”
Making Exercise a Lifelong Habit
Developing and maintaining an active lifestyle can be challenging, especially as we grow older. Our bodies may change, and certain activities may become more difficult. However, Professor McGregor emphasizes the importance of perseverance.
“It’s hard to keep the activity habit going and maintaining fitness does get tougher with each passing year, but it’s worth it!” she encourages. “Don’t let past inactivity stop you from having a go.”
The key is to find activities that you genuinely enjoy and to be patient with yourself as you build up your fitness. Whether it’s a daily run, a weekly hike, or regular dance classes, the key is to make movement a consistent part of your life.
“Exercise first thing sets me up for the day ahead,” shares Professor McGregor. “However, when I got a smart watch, I realised how inactive I was for the rest of the day. Now, I also cycle to and from work, which breaks up my day and helps me switch off from work.”
Celebrating National Fitness Day and Beyond
National Fitness Day is an opportunity to reflect on our personal fitness journeys and to explore new ways to incorporate more activity into our lives. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting to prioritize your health, there are endless possibilities to stay active and engaged.
The team at Stanley Park High School encourages all members of our community to celebrate National Fitness Day and to continue building lifelong habits of physical activity. Together, we can inspire one another to move more, feel better, and embrace the joys of an active lifestyle.
As Professor McGregor eloquently reminds us, “Physical activity can simply be any activity that gets us moving and using our muscles and breaks the cycle of sitting for long periods.” So, let’s get out there, explore new activities, and discover the transformative power of an active lifestyle.
