Exercise can help rebuild your health - believe!

One of my least popular posts has been about exercise, something I find remarkable considering how important it is in the lives of all people, in order to maintain decent health and a balanced existence. So Many of us pooh-pooh exercise until it's almost too late - it is never too late, incidentally - because of so many preconceptions and prejudices, or just plain laziness.

These shoes are made for walking/running!

But consider the following scenario, common among many of us:  You've just been to the quack (doctor for the uninitiated) and he has looked at your notes, harrumphed self-importantly and announced that 'there are problems that need to be addressed.' You have a few (hah!) extra kilos, are generally bone idle and like the odd drink or six; this was maybe fine (or at least acceptable) when you were younger, but you are not that any longer and suddenly the chickens are coming home to roost, with your health suffering.

Have no fear (well, a little...), people, because all is not lost. Most of the effects of ageing and carelessness are reversible with a bit of effort or, in some cases, quite a lot of effort. But let's be frank: if the alternative is prolonged illness and a painful death, perhaps some effort, mental and physical, may not be entirely out of the question, eh? This effort usually revolves mainly around physical exercise of some sort or another.

Too many of us still see exercise as either a crank activity or something to get us looking better, but both views are completely outdated. More and more health professionals are recognising that many, many health conditions are reversible, even curable, by exercising in appropriate ways; many of these ways are simple, others need professional guidance and assistance, but most if not all produce tangible, real results that can change lives for the better.

The excuses are many, and lots of us use them all at one time or another, but they are not really appropriate; all we are doing is refusing to face facts, to look life in the face and realise that the power to improve our quality of life is mainly in our hands. It really is easy to start exercising: get a pair of good (suitable for you) running (or walking, but running shoes are more versatile) shoes, a pair of useful socks and off you go walking; the environment around us can provide all sorts of opportunities for exercises complimentary to walking. Oh, I can see you reaching for the excuse book already...!

Walking is the most natural activity to humans, simple and possible in any weather and almost any terrain, urban or rural. We are free to set our own pace and increase it as we become more accustomed to sustained movement. Within a month we can go from couch potato to walking for over an hour at a decent rapid pace, without collapsing at the end of it; we are now ready to start exploring running, should we be so inclined. Favour the cautious approach again, especially if you are of a certain age (above 45, say) in order to minimise or avoid injuries, and do not set yourself wildly optimistic targets - they lead to disappointment and pain! A bit of walking and a bit of gentle running, in short intervals of 3 minutes each, repeated 6 times is a good way to launch your running career. I can promise you that, if you are diligent, within a month you will be running for the whole time at a comfortable pace without any problem.

Of course you should not embark on an exercise program blindly, especially if you have had serious health problems in the past, with the doctor being the initial port of call in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Of course you should be careful and adopt a gradual schedule to exercise, of course you should think and listen to your body along the way, of course you should be organised and methodical in your approach - it should go without saying! Exercise done properly (and age appropriate) can only be good for one, unless there is an underlying weakness; we should not allow the ignorant, some doctors among them (but, thankfully, fewer and fewer), who decry exercise as causing harm to stop us. It is a force for the good and the variations and permutations are endless - discovering the ones that 'work' for you will transform your life, have no doubt.

And you'll be hearing more on the subject from me.