Page 20 - Issue 3 Cornwall Hill

HEalTH & FITnEsss

TacklIng THE

RIgHT bull

by THE HORns

Some thoughts on exercising

Written by Annami Havenga for Physio First

umanity has never before Africans exercise 2 - 3 times a week. About of exercise has got more to do with our
been bombarded by so much 66% of us struggle to balance work and motivation and our mind-set towards
information about exercise and exercise. In other words, only 17 million out it. For most of us it’s just physically too
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Hthe benefits thereof. This is a of the 57 million Saffers actually walk the talk uncomfortable (read: I am drowning in
direct result of our predominately sedentary and get into those tight sweatpants. sweat, my lungs need life support, I am
lifestyle. dying). Basically, we ‘non-ironmen’ see it as
In the 21st century the lack of exercise has work, so we just avoid it.
Looking back, our ancestors ploughed officially been classified as a major health
fields and hand washed their clothes – they problem. The evidence shows that physical This needs to change. We need to know why
did not need Facebook posts and Garmin inactivity is associated with the development we are doing it. We need to set clear goals.
watches – their 10 000 steps was done and of 40 chronic diseases. This is crazy! We need to reprogramme our brains.
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dusted by 10am . . .sharp
Considering this, my question regarding this The New York Times posted a brilliant ‘How To’
Walking in the streets (after lockdown of issue would be: Why don’t we as a society article about the mental side of starting out
course), I doubt that I would get anyone exercise (or exercise enough) even if we know and setting goals. If you are serious about
that thinks exercise is bad for them. We have how good physical activity is? Or I can even this - please go and read it: How To Start
been taught that: “exercise is good for your ask: Why don’t we exercise even though we Working Out, By Anahad O’Connor. (https://
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physical and mental well-being” . . . but when know how bad the lack of exercise is? www.nytimes. com/guides/smarterliving/
I look at the statistics, only 30% of South how-to-start-exercising).
See, I can list the benefits of exercise and the
risk of inactivity here, but I am not convinced In light of current events, with us as
that this will make a difference – would it humanity fighting together against
change our behaviour? I doubt it. We are COVID-19, there is one benefit of exercising
already overloaded with information; we that I want to highlight – EXERCISING
know more about the human body now BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM’S
than ever before. Still most of us prefer to sit RESPONSE. Now, if you read the whole
on the couch after a long day . . . of sitting. article you would know that this statement
in itself is not enough to get you moving . .
What is the key then to cultivating a lifestyle . but I am hoping that you would tackle this
of exercise? bull head-on.

I (and many other people) have come to 1, 2, 3 for list of references please mail me:
the conclusion that in general our lack info@physiofirst.co.za.

18 Cornwall View • Issue 3 2020