MEN HEALTH WEEK: EXERCISE

Each day during Men’s Health Week, we’re posting articles to raise awareness of commons health issues for men. Today: exercise.

67% of men are overweight or obese. This leads to a significant increase in risks for getting diabetes, chronic liver disease, coronary heart disease, and cancer. Exercising is therefore an excellent preventative measure to take for these illnesses and health issues.

Generally speaking, many young men do have a good amount of exercise in their earlier years through an introduction to sports in school. However, it’s common for this to subside as the years go on and other priorities take over. Depending on the time you have and the options available in your day-to-day life, there are both big and small workout/exercise based that you can adopt.

Having something to aim for is a great way to get more active. Even small changes can bring big
benefits, so start by planning one or two activities and build up from there. Hertfordshire County Council have a free planner to get you started: click here.

Hertfordshire County Council are also running the Never Too Late physical activity campaign; if you register with them you will receive a free activity pass and activity planner to support you in becoming more active. Click here for more information.

There are many ways to get active. Join a local walking group, find a free local Parkrun. Search YouTube for free work outs you can do at home if you can’t get out easily. Use Hertfordshire County Council’s route maps to plan your own walk or bike ride. The Tudors Supporters Club, in partnership with Hemel Hempstead Town FC, organises Over 30’s football sessions; there are other local clubs and gyms who are happy to accommodate people returning to fitness and exercise after a break and may require some additional support and advice.

Things to remember before you start to exercise:
Speak to your GP
Take time to recover
Stretch
Eat well
Stay hydrated
Socialise
Don’t overdo it

The Men’s Health Forum are working hard pushing for more action from government, from health professionals and from all of us. Why are men more affected and what can we do about it? We need the data. We need the research. We need the action. Currently the Men’s Health Forum is the only UK charity doing this and they need your support, click here for their fund-raising page.