Exercise For The Sedentary or Non Active

With so many of us locked into jobs and hobbies that involve sitting down for long periods, especially at desks and computers, there are millions of people around the world who lead sedentary lives and get little exercise. Lack of exercise is one of the things that has caused such a high level of sickness and obesity in Western countries, especially the US and UK.

For many such people, the thought of exercise can be quite daunting and off putting. Many think as if there are only two options: no exercise as now, or spending endless hours slaving away in the gym, getting up at 5am to run a half marathon, and dripping so much sweat the local television station has to put out a flood warning. Salt water flood in Texas; that's something.

In fact, though, a gentle introduction to more exercise is very easy, and pushing up the levels just enough to improve your health prospects is much less onerous than many think. Really, it is. Getting up to about half an hour a day "exercise" is probably enough to have an impact on your health prospects and longevity.

One thing to bear in mind is that you can start from as little as a few minutes to begin with. If you are concerned about health problems, consult your physician first. Regardless, start low and build up. If your joints and muscles are not used to exercise, they will suffer if you do too much.

Your type of exercise can be just normal activities, such as walking. Your first day could just be going for a 10 minute walk you would not normally do. But be careful. Last year I spent 8 months living in a house where going out to walk was not pleasant. So, when we moved, I was in a rush to get back to walking. I only walked around the block, but too fast, and uphill. After I got home, my leg seized up; it was a hamstring injury, quite common with fast walking. So, build up slowly but surely.

Try to mix in a short cycle or swim, or even light dumbbells. Weights are being seen as more and more beneficial, even to the elderly, so give them a try. Do not be proud if you are a man; I am only 56 but happy to use 5lb dumbbells, and still feel the benefit.

If all goes well, and it should if you intend it to, then after a week or two, you will feel the benefit and feel more inclined to go step up the exercise level.