070 SPORT
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Read the headlines and you’d believe we’re a nation of technology- addicted, lounge lizards. The truth though is that more than 60% of us are active – and we’re engaged in a diverse range of sports and fi tness activities
Spectrum SPORTING
David Leck © Sport England
lmost 28 million of us are classed as being active by Sport England, meaning that – despite what we often read – 62% of over-16s meet the Chief Medical Offi cer’s guidelines of doing at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each
week. It does though mean more than a quarter of the population are inactive, missing out on a range of health benefi ts such as reduced risks of dementia, depression and diabetes, and improved mental wellbeing. Sport England’s Lisa O’Keefe says: “People often reach 150 minutes of weekly activity through a combination of things, of which the most frequent include gym and fi tness, running, swimming, cycling, team sports and walking. “We know maintaining an exercise habit can be tough and that, for a signifi cant number of people, it can feel almost impossible to start. “Most of us are aware of the importance of being active but the reality is fi tting exercise into busy lives and making it stick can sometimes feel like a chore. Gyms and sports clubs can seem expensive or intimidating, and it can be hard to start when everyone around you looks so fi t and you’ve not been active for years. Experiencing any of these barriers is completely normal.
“The good news is that when it comes to being active, it all counts. Beyond raising your heart rate, there is no right or wrong way to get active. My advice for anyone thinking of getting into sport and exercise is to give some thought to what sort of activities they have found fun in the past, and what sort of environments feel the most comfortable – whether that be outside, in the gym, as part of a team or with friends.” Kent is especially well placed when it comes to networks of centres, clubs, groups and volunteers, as
Kent Sports’ Elise Rendall explains: “The county offers an amazing range of opportunities and activities available for people of all ages and abilities. Being active is good for your body, mind and health. Whether you’re looking to try a new individual or team sport, are interested in getting active to benefi t your health and wellbeing, to meet new people or take part with the family, there are lots of options that can fi t in with your lifestyle.” As always, the previously inactive should seek
advice from a medical or fi tness professional fi rst. • Visit
nhs.uk/live-well;
sportengland.org;
kentsport.org
Who’s doing what?
Deciphering the complex, generic way in which lists of the country’s most popular pursuits are compiled is a bit of a workout in itself, so we looked across the research to fi nd 10 of the sports and fi tness activities we pursue on a regular basis, most of which offer local clubs and options.
WALKING You don’t need to join a gym, need no expensive equipment and nor must you don the latest fi tness labels. Walking for 30 minutes or more a day is a great way to improve overall health, particularly increased heart and lung fi tness, a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, and stronger bones. Joining a walking group is a great way to ensure exercise is also sociable. • Visit
ramblers.org.uk;
kentramblers.org.uk;
nationalparks.gov.uk
CYCLING Cycling is one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into a daily routine because it’s a form of transport – it saves you money, gets you fit and helps the environment. It’s low-impact so easier on joints than running or other higher-impact activities. You could cycle to work a few days a week, or do a couple of shorter rides during the week with a longer ride at the weekend. • Visit
britishcycling.org.uk;
cyclinguk.org;
sustrans.org.uk
©
adam@adamgasson.com
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