Physical activity can be enjoyed by everyone, despite his or her age, gender or activity levels. Starting the process is difficult if you have been inactive for a long period of time and many people put up barriers or excuses to get active.
This section tries to dispel some of the common myths that people may have about health and fitness. From barriers such as age through to busy lifestyles, here are some of the key myths.
'Im too old to start exercising now'.
You are never too old to start enjoying physical activity. Being active does not have to be about sweating excessively or working out until you cannot breathe. There are an array of activities which can get you moving. From a simple walk in the local park to chair exercises in your home, you will feel the benefits almost immediately. Benefits include lower blood pressure and a boost to your immune system, preventing common illnesses like flu. Furthermore, there are social benefits as physical activity can boost your confidence and help with the treatment of depression and anxiety. For more information on the benefits of physical activity, click here
Many doctors are now linked into the GP Referral schemes where they encourage you access physical activity to help with your health. Ensure you speak with your doctor before starting an exercise programme.
'I don't have time to exercise, I have a job and children to look after'.
Physical activity can be enjoyed by all. Try and incorporate it into your daily life, for example, taking the dog for a walk with young children can be enjoyable and educational whilst burning the calories.
It is understandable that people do have jobs and busy lifestyles, however there are exercises that can be carried out whilst sat at your desk or standing at a counter-for example, toning your muscles can be done by tensing your stomach or bum muscles for a period of 10 repetitions, every hour.
Furthermore, in the evening, make time to get active. According to the Office of National Statistics (2000) the average person in the UK watches 168 minutes of TV per day-that's nearly three hours per day. Turn off the TV and dedicate this time to getting active. If possible, join a gym. For your local IFI accredited facility, click here
'Its too expensive to exercise'.
Physical activity does not have to cost lots of money. IFI accredited facilities have inclusive pricing policies to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access physical activity. There are a number of activities to participate in that are free of charge-walking in the countryside, jogging around the local park, free trials at gyms, playing football with family or friends in the park, aerobics to the radio. Additionally, if you participate as part of a team, the cost can be spread out amongst the number of people participating.
'I don't have anything to wear to exercise'.
Whilst exercising, choose something sensible that you feel comfortable in. You dont have to go out and buy the latest designer clothes, it wont make any difference to what you get out of your workout. Wear a t-shirt, trousers or shorts and sensible footwear (preferably trainers or pumps). If you think it will help motivate you, get some new exercise attire - head down to your local sports shop.
'I can't afford a personal trainer'.
You dont have to have a personal trainer to go to the gym. It all comes down to choice. In most cases, you will be given a programme at your first induction, most facilities then update your programme every six to eight weeks. If you feel you need someone with you every session to motivate you and offer advice on technique, a personal trainer could be an option.
