Benefits of Regular Exercise

Physical activity provides many health benefits.  Here at Weald Fit and Therapy , based in Heathfield and the surrounding area, we want you to reap the benefits that come with getting fitter and partaking in regular exercise.  Don’t worry, it’s not all about “no pain, no gain” or tortuous high intensity classes.  Did you know that the suggested amount of raised heart rate work in a week is 30 minutes, 5 days a week to improve your health?  That doesn’t have to be in a gym, but could be walking, a sporting activity or vigorous housework.

Science and Research

We have looked at several leading authorities to see what their experts are saying about the benefits of regular exercise based on exhaustive research and scientific evidence.

A Healthy Lifestyle Can Help You Unwind

Bupa, the private healthcare company, reports that regular exercise is an important ingredient of a healthy lifestyle.  It not only helps you manage your weight but it also reduces your risk of developing diseases and it can help prevent and treat mental health problems.  Your wellbeing and mood can be boosted and it’s a great way of unwinding from the stresses and strains of life.  Also, a soothing and calming body massage can help, which is another service we provide.

Wow – that sounds pretty good for starters!

Dr Laurence Heslop, Lead Physician at Bupa MSK Services says, “Sedentary lifestyles, jobs and long commutes have put us more at risk of the dangers of inactivity compared with previous generations.  Exercising the previously stated 30 minutes, 5 times a week will reduce these risks.”

Some of the benefits of regular exercise include:
• Keeping your heart healthy
• Keeping your muscles, bones and joints strong
• Reducing your risk of diabetes
• Controlling your body fat percentage
• Reducing your risk of some cancers
• Improving your mental health and wellbeing

Exercise is Good for the Mind

The Royal College of Psychiatrists says that the mind can’t function unless your body is working properly and to do this your body needs regular exercise.  It’s true that most of us feel good when we are active.

Fighting Diabetes

“Being active can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.” says Diabetes UK.  It also increases the amount of glucose used by the muscles for energy, so it may sometimes lower blood glucose (sugar) levels and help the body to use insulin more efficiently – regular activity can help reduce the amount of insulin you have to take.

Helping to Prevent Cancer
Cancer Research UK reports that being physically active isn’t just good for your heart as there is lots of evidence that it can also reduce the risk of developing breast, bowel or womb cancer.  It goes on to state that keeping active could help to prevent around 3,400 cases of cancer every year in the UK.

It seems that all the leading organisations have positive things to say about regular exercise including the Alzheimer’s Society, Mind, The British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support and the National Health Service.

Why not start to get fitter today?

Weald Fit and Therapy has a proven track record of getting both men and women of any age, and children, fitter and healthier with its range of group classes and individual training sessions.

Boot Camp

If you want to improve your cardiovascular fitness, reduce your body fat percentage, increase muscle tone, strength, increase your flexibility and have fun, Boot Camp could be the class for you! For beginners to the strongest, our Boot Camp is held every Tuesday 6:45-7:45pm in Burwash Common’s Cricket Pavilion.

PureStretch

If you have something gentler in mind, why not try our PureStretch classes? Sessions involve specific routines designed by a team of osteopaths and exercise professionals.  You will experience core strengthening exercises, relaxation techniques and a wide variety of stretching methods utilising aspects of both Pilates and Yoga.  PureStretch runs every Friday 9.30 – 10.30am in Ringmer’s Village Hall.

Monday Men’s Club

This class is designed for gentlemen of retirement age or similar, who are active but not necessarily physically fit. Based on a circuit training format, the exercises vary each week with equipment used during the sessions ranging from slam ball, battle rope and TRX suspension training to dumbbells, stability ball and body weight exercises (so despite the general comradery, a lot of work actually gets done!)  Options are always available for any exercise, depending on the needs of the individual participant.  The club runs every Monday 7-8pm at High Hurstwood Village Hall.

Fit Kidz and Fit Teens After School Club

Not much is offered in our region for training children other than at sports clubs.  This class is designed to be fun, while helping improve the child’s fitness, reduce body fat, improve their strength and preparing the child for using the gym in the future.  This class is held in school term times at Isenhurst Health Club, Cross-in-Hand, on Wednesdays at 4pm for Fit Kidz (Primary School children) and 4:30pm for Fit Teens (Secondary School children).

Why not join in? Please visit our website: wealdfitandtherapy.co.uk or email mail@wealdfitandtherapy.co.uk

Daniel James
Personal Trainer
Weald Fit and Therapy