When we get home, we think nothing of spending the evening sitting or even lying down in front of the TV. If that sounds like your routine, then it’s important to remember any exercise at all is better than none.

Many people’s views on sport and exercise were formed during school PE lessons – endless laps of a muddy field, or standing around shivering in T-shirt and shorts, hoping the ball didn’t come near you. Most of us have seen film of people running a marathon who look ready to keel over.

Not surprising then that many people regard exercise as something miserable that has to be very, very hard to do you any good. It doesn’t.

In fact, there’s a well-established theory backed by increasing amounts of evidence, that mild to moderate physical activity is, for most people, the best way to better health. However, unless you do something you enjoy – or can at least put up with – you won’t stick at it. Similarly, if you start off doing too much too soon, you’ll get fed up and stop, get injured or even make yourself ill.

So what’s the right amount of exercise to get fit and healthy without injuring yourself in the process? Continue reading How much exercise? →