Something’s better than nothing when it comes to keeping active

[AussieNeil]

Editors at "The Conversation" just published this article based on two recent papers in the BMJ, arguing that "physical activity guidelines should focus on getting inactive people to move a little rather than having the entire population meet the 150 minutes of moderate activity a week target. The papers may give heart to those who can already see their new year’s resolution to get fit slipping away.":

theconversation.com/somethi...

I can't say it better than the first respondent, Tracy Nelson:

"Although the above perspective may have been voiced before (which I just may not have come across) what is being promoted here in part (if I understand right) is something I have been waiting to hear for a long time. It has always puzzled me why (at the very least) just walking around is not really considered some form of genuine exercise. What I find even stranger is that being on one’s feet all day constantly walking around at work apparently also counts for nothing in some people’s eyes despite the exhaustion often experienced at the end of the day.

I understand that structured exercise has benefits but it seems that psychological barriers/biases are/have been created in the process, such as, the perceived need by some to dress up for the occasion with joggers, outfits, going to particular places like gyms etc where it then is considered by oneself and others that what one is doing is ‘real’ exercise.

This (and more) can make the prospect of exercising (and what is considered exercise) more complex and daunting than what it should be for many ordinary people."

and:

"...we don't need to put on lycra to be active. It doesn't matter whether you run in the gym or to catch the bus, whether you cart your shopping home up a steep hill, dig over a garden bed, cycle to work or exercise in special gear. In fact the more exercise we build into everyday life, the better. Ditch the car when you can, cycle or walk or bus. Good for the environment, too."

It's called Incidental Exercise and there's plenty of evidence that exercise of any form helps us fight fatigue and do better if we eventually need treatment.

Neil

Photo: One of the welcome bench seats to take a rest if your fatigue won't let you walk any further...