Leading UK private health care and medical care provider KIMS Hospital is taking on the nation's health. Launching The Exercise Prescription: A Guide to a Healthier Lifestyle, KIMS Hospital is raising awareness of sedentary lifestyles and also helping people of all ages and abilities make physical activity a priority.
Exercise plays an integral part in both physical and mental well-being, and through the expert orthopaedic knowledge at KIMS Hospital, professional advice has been shared to encourage daily movement. The Exercise Prescription: A Guide to a Healthier Lifestyle provides practical lifestyle tips that show how everyone throughout the UK can reap the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Dr Stephen Thompson, Consultant in Sport, Exercise & Musculoskeletal Medicine at KIMS Hospital says, "We believe that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can benefit from incorporating various forms of movement into their lives. This campaign aims to break down the barriers to exercise, offering practical advice and support to help people across the UK live healthier and happier lifestyles.
6 Key Takeaways from The Exercise Prescription:
1. Physical Activity Supports Mental Health
A healthy lifestyle cares for the mind and body, and staying active is at the core of it. Exercise is one of the most valuable ways to look after your mental wellbeing. Time and time again, exercise has been a proven mood booster, while helping to prevent anxiety, depression, and negativity.
It can be as simple as walking in nature or riding a bike. The exercise will clear your mind, improve your self-esteem, and sharpen your mind.
2. Stay Strong and Steady
As we age, building strength and improving balance are essential. Staying strong and steady lowers the risk of a fall that may curtail independence in an active lifestyle—one that enables a sense of freedom.
This can be accomplished through great activities such as yoga, Pilates, and bodyweight training, all of which offer entry-level groups and classes where a beginner can learn and build confidence.
3. Find Your Fitness Passion
Fitness shouldn't be a chore; it should be the opposite. Find activities that you really love doing, whether it's dancing, gardening, swimming, cycling, or playing a team sport. Finding satisfaction in an activity makes it much easier to continue over time.
4. Feed Your Body
Fuel your activity level and overall health with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and natural protein. Good nutrition gives you the energy you need to be active and recover optimally.
Nutrition is one of the cornerstones of healthy living. The fuel you put in your body from nutrient-dense foods provides the energy and building blocks needed for optimal physical activity and recovery.
5. Make Movement a Habit
Making physical activity a habit in your daily routine is a great way to find ‘rhythm’ in exercise. Substitutions are a great way to achieve this, such as walking or cycling when not necessarily needing to drive, taking the stairs where possible, and getting up every half an hour to stretch and move around. These small changes add up to make a big difference.
Choosing to exercise in a world where convenience often overrides physical activity is essential. Incorporating exercise and movement into a daily routine also helps burn more calories, circulate blood, boost energy levels, and raise overall mood.
6. Step It Up
10,000 steps per day can feel like a lot–particularly if your average daily step count falls far below that number. The good news is that you don't always have to hit 10,000 steps; a simple 30-minute walk is a step toward better cardiovascular health, weight management, and a better mood.
Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise, and striving to progress in the right direction–even slowly–will make a huge difference to your health. The cardiovascular benefits of walking can’t be stressed enough; it fortifies your heart, maintains a healthy weight, and improves your mental well-being.
Start Small and Build Gradually
If the idea of 10,000 steps or going to the gym becomes too much to handle, just remember that every little bit counts. Incorporating short activities into your day and steadily increasing the duration and intensity with time is a great way to get started.
Don't be afraid to move–even a few minutes of walking or stretching can help make a difference. Where possible, use your body and explore a diet that makes your body feel good.
"This campaign is not about promoting strenuous workouts or unrealistic fitness goals. It's about providing simple, achievable steps everyone can take to improve their well-being. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, The Exercise Prescription offers valuable guidance for a healthier lifestyle." adds Gary Weaver, Physical Therapy Manager at KIMS Hospital.
KIMS Hospital is your partner in a healthier lifestyle. The Exercise Prescription: A Guide to a Healthier Lifestyle provides the guidance and encouragement to make lasting changes, one step at a time.
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