Getting active for summer...

Now the weather is improving and the days are getting longer there are less excuses for not being active. To set a good example I’ve pumped up the tyres on my bike and have started cycling to The Chiropractic Clinic in Chester! There are many benefits to exercise;

· You are less likely to have joint pain or lower back pain if you do exercise. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint problem and affects nearly everyone over the age of 60. Regular, moderate activity, especially walking, has been linked to a lower risk of osteoarthritis.
· Eight out of 10 people have lower back pain at some time in their lives, but people who exercise are less likely to suffer from it.
· Osteoporosis (low bone density) is when your bones become brittle and prone to fracture. You can reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis by doing high-impact exercise such as running and skipping. This puts weight on your bones, increases bone density in younger people and slows down their degeneration later in life. But choose low-impact, weight-bearing exercise, such as gentle walking or swimming, if you already have osteoporosis.
· You are likely to feel happier, more satisfied with life and have an improved sense of wellbeing if you are physically active. Introduce regular exercise into your routine and you should sleep better, lower your stress levels and boost your self-image. It's also possible that it may improve brain function in children and older adults.

The average adult needs to exercise at least 30minutes everyday to get the health benefits described above though you don't need to spend hours at the gym or run marathons to be healthy. You can do three 10 minute or two 15 minute bouts to reach your minimum of 30 minutes and this can be as effective as lengthier sessions. You might find this a more manageable target to begin with.

The easiest way to sustain an exercise habit is to incorporate it into your daily routine. One way to raise your level of physical activity is to cycle or walk to work instead of taking the bus or driving. Use stairs instead of the lift, and spend more time gardening or walking in the park - this will help to increase your energy output.

Sometimes it's hard to motivate yourself to be more physically active and it can feel like a chore. Start by changing the way you think about regular exercise. Remind yourself that it will make you feel better, and will probably improve the quality and length of your life. Most importantly, it can be fun!

Before you start any drastic new exercise plans ask your Chiropractor or GP for advice, or get that niggly pain that has put you off exercise diagnosed and treated. We are offering £5 consultations at The Chiropractic Clinic so come discuss how we can help get you more active!