Why would I walk when I can just drive?

I have a family member (I won’t say which one) who has recently being told they need to do some exercise, lose some weight and change their lifestyle as they are verging on becoming diabetic (type 2).

This person decided to reach out to me and ask if they did some sit ups each day would they lose some weight? Baring in mind they have a very sedentary job, crap diet, enjoys a drink on the weekend and doesn’t do any exercise as it stands……..No, doing some sit ups (not sure if they would be able to anyway) will not help you lose weight or reverse your potential type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

I suggested a simple form of exercise that doesn’t require much if any thought or effort, go for a walk each day. To which I got the reply ‘where would I walk?’, once I had replied with ‘where ever you like, go up there and round, it should take you 20-30mins’, I got the best reply, ‘Why would I walk there when I can drive’.

This highlighted to me the lack of education around health and fitness, especially in the over 40’s age bracket. The attitude of why would I walk when I can drive there, looking for a quick fix of doing some sit ups each day to lose weight. Rather than looking at the bigger picture and setting a longer term achievable goal, get some extra steps in each day, drop a few lb’s, you can then look at altering some of your meals and improving your diet one bit at a time to ensure you are getting the correct nutrients in.

This brings me onto the health benefits of getting some extra steps in

1. Helps with weight management - walking to work, walking up stairs rather than using a lift

2. Improves overall heart health

3. Reduces chronic disease risk and risk of cancer

4. Delays ageing and increases mobility (especially later in life)

5. Lowers blood pressure and Reduces risk of having a stroke

6. Decreases the risk of developing diabetes

7. Increases lung capacity and manages blood glucose

8. Improves mood

There doesn't need to be any more reason for you to move more! Get yourself moving more and feel the benefits.

If you are unsure what to do or how to start your health and fitness journey why not drop me a message by clicking the link below