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Get the new year off to a healthy start
Don't slouch: time to get off the couch and get exercising
OK. I want you to rise up from the sofa, very carefully, and walk around the room. Pick up the pace a little and do a few circuits and then sit down.
Congratulations, you are now an official exerciser and can leave the honorary couch potato club behind. Exercise really is that easy. You just have to do it for a little bit longer but you have already made a start and that's the hardest bit.
All the excuses in the world don't wash when you consider that if you do nothing more for your body and health this year than some
regular exercise, that will be a huge
improvement.
At a basic level, brisk walking for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, three or four times a week, is enough to reap some health benefits and lower your risk of many diseases, including heart problems, diabetes, stroke and cancer. Other ways in which you can incorporate exercise in your life include:
Social walking
Walking with friends or family can be a very pleasant way to pass the time, and before you know it you have been walking for an hour or two. Walk 4 Health organises free health walks around the Bedford area. More information is available from www.whi.org.uk or healthy walking manager Mike Fayers. Call 01234 762605.
Exercise to music
Music can motivate and get you moving like no other inspiration. Add to that a good instructor, and an hour's exercise can pass in a fun way. A good class should cover cardiovascular/aerobic activity, toning or resistance work and flexibility. For body toning workouts with Donna Milligan in Kempston and Bromham, call 01234 838880.
Do sport
From a simple kickaround in the park with
children or grandchildren to playing sports such badminton, squash, netball or table tennis,
contact your local sports centre or village hall for details of facilities available.
Bike riding
The Danish Camp in Willington can be a good starting point for enjoyable bike rides to
Priory Country Park or Blunham and Sandy. If you don't possess a bike, the Danish Camp offers bike hire. Call the Danish Camp on 01234 838709 for further details.
Gyms
For a monthly fee you can normally have
unlimited access to a gym, sometimes a pool and other facilities. Take a free tour around some of the local gyms, check out their new year offers and see if this way of exercising is for you.
So now there really is no excuse to stay rooted to your comfortable armchair. Make time for exercise, do the exercise and reap the benefits.
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Weather for Bedford
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North
