Fitness programmes not the only way to get healthy

It’s because one of the problems that many people face when trying to get “more healthy”, is that they think they have to do an exercise programme of some sort. In reality, that’s not strictly true.

Exercising can be tough – and even tougher to sustain – and if you’re thinking exercise involves keeping fit, then the problem lies in the reality that you’ve got to keep at it.

For some people, that’s a big enough obstacle to even starting in the first place, and a reason why so many people look and feel unhealthy. They don’t do much keeping fit, because they know they’re unlikely to be able sustain it, so what’s the point in starting?

Have you ever felt like that? I know many people have. And the answer? Well, all you have to do is to forget about keeping fit altogether. That’s right, forget it! Because it’s not the only way to look and feel healthier.

Instead, here’s what I want you to do: just focus on “being active”.

Same thing, you say? Not quite. It’s a shift in the way you think and how you see the task at hand, and it will make it more likely that you’ll sustain it for longer.

All the health benefits you need, the ones that are going to keep joints supple and your heart and lungs in better shape, are often just the same as keeping active as they are in keeping fit.

The only difference is that being active is easier to sustain. Besides, keeping active can be really fun, which means you’re much more likely to maintain it.

Places like Summerhill, Ward Jackson Park, the Burn Valley, Seaton beach, the Headland ... I could go on and on and on talking about places in Hartlepool that you could chose to keep active this summer with your kids or grandkids.

Have you been to the Headland at sunset this summer? At 9pm as the sun is setting after a nice stroll around the old town, there’s not many more picture perfect places I’ve ever seen any where in the world.

Anyhow, here’s my question: what’s stopping you from visiting a different one each night, each week, for the entire school holidays?

Keeping active and healthy doesn’t have to be a struggle. It doesn’t mean you have to make yourself go running if you wince at the thought of it, or push yourself to go to an exercise class at the gym until you’re red in the face and out of breath while laying on the floor.

No, it’s much simpler than that. And with so much natural beauty on your doorstep, now is the best time to take advantage of it all.

So, when are you going to make the decision to have fun while keeping active this summer?

l If you’ve got back pain right now that is stopping you from getting out of the house and getting in the way of daily life – download my free tips guide which has plenty of simple ways to help you begin to ease it. Go to www.paulgoughphysio.com/back-pain

Or, give us a call on 01429 866771, and we’ll send you a copy.