“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it” - Plato

Plato was way ahead of his time.

THE LINK BETWEEN INACTIVITY AND LIFE EXPECTANCY

If the thought of getting out of bed for an early morning jog in winter is enough to make you roll over and hit the snooze button, you may want to reevaluate. New research published by The Lancet has found that taking the lazy option could actually reduce your life expectancy.

Worldwide, 31.1% of adults are physically inactive, with women more inactive than men. This alarming fact that nearly one third of the world population would choose to sit rather than sweat, is actually a major public health issue.

The Lancet research estimates that physical inactivity causes:
- 6% of the burden of disease from coronary heart disease;
- 7% of type 2 diabetes;
- 10% of breast cancer; and

- 10% of colon cancer.

Most importantly, a lack of exercise actually cuts your life short. Eliminating physical inactivity by getting people moving, is estimated to increase the life expectancy of the world’s population by 0.68 years, on average.

INACTIVITY IS AS BAD AS SMOKING

The Daily Mail also reports that failing to do enough exercise is as deadly as smoking, with the death toll in Britain from smoking being only slightly higher than deaths caused from inactivity - illnesses including heart disease, breast and bowel cancer and diabetes.

HOW TO REDUCE INACTIVITY AND INCREASE LIFE EXPECTANCY

Ideally, you should be exercising regularly for 30 minutes a day. This doesn’t need to be high impact, vein bursting, breath gasping activity either!

Suitable activity for people currently inactive could include more gentle forms of exercise such as walking, swimming, gardening or even just taking the stairs instead of the lift at work. Incidental exercise all adds up – you’d be surprised how easy it can be to incorporate 30 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine. As always, check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

TIPS TO HELP YOU GET MOVING

1. Full of excuses? Check out these handy ways to overcome exercise excuses
2. Can't afford to exercise? Here are 5 ways to work out on a budget
3. Lacking motivation to train in winter? Here's how to find your exercise mojo
4. Not sure when to exercise? Guy Leech reveals if morning or night training is best
5. Don't have time? You can get fit in just 20 minutes

6. Too old to get fit? Think again. You are never too old! Here's why.

A wind trainer will enable you train rain, hail or shine, while watching TV!