Today we start a new series on something that’s important for everyone. We’ll cover a range of topics and have some expert guest writers. As most of our readers will already be doing some regular exercise, this first article is a tiddler.
Kapiti readers are well aware of the wonderful opportunities which are provided by the cycleway/walkway paths alongside the new expressway and through Queen Elizabeth Park. We have plenty of places to exercise!
Get motivated to get started
By Roger Childs
If getting to the letterbox and back is your main exercise, you need to be doing more.
Magazines and newspapers run regular articles on the benefits of exercising regularly, but probably they can be summed up in the phrase you’ll live longer, better.
We are all well aware that not smoking, reducing alcohol intake and eating healthily are important in improving our well being. (Apparently red onions are the new wonder food!)
However, regular exercise is proven to lower the risk of heart and other diseases, and increase life expectancy.
Start small and keep going!
If you do little beyond walking about the house, out to the gate and round the shops, get going a bit further. But start with small steps!
~ Walk down to the corner or round the block.
~ Buy a mountain bike, bike pants and a helmet and go for short rides.
~ Park your car some distance from the supermarket door.
Get into a pattern: for example, exercise every second day and progressively increase what you do.
However, don’t start with a 5km walk or a 10km bike ride.
Basically get yourself moving and don’t give up!
(Next time we’ll get on to setting goals.)