Think of exercise as movement medicine rather than something that will leave you sweating and breathless, and you are more likely to do it.

In this episode of the Pain Free Living podcast, osteopath Bob Allen talks about the benefits of exercise but from a different perspective than the usual fitness industry conversations and he never says "No Pain, No Gain" (mostly because it's not true!).

The fitness industry always seems to prioritise how you look and aesthetic outcomes over any actual health benefits. While there is nothing wrong with having a 'Love Island' body most people just want to be able to go for a walk, play with their children or climb the stairs without getting out of breath or getting achy joints.

Thinking of movement as medicine and keeping movements simple makes exercise more palatable and accessible than the image of lying in a sweaty heap in the corner of a gym or endless hours on an exercise bike.

I like to give activities that can be done at home with no equipment but I'm equally happy providing advice on what you can do if you like the gym, swimming, running or any form of exercise. It doesn't have to be hard, and even five minutes per day can give health benefits.

Adding more physical activity into your daily routine, and most importantly, making it fu,n means you are more likely to start and carry on.

The episode ends with a reminder that the journey towards fitness is not about sticking to rigid standards, but needs to be personal and enjoyable, and it will lead to a better, healthier life.

Takeaways:

• The podcast highlights the fact that consistent exercise can significantly reduce the risk of various health issues, such as heart disease and cancer.
• Listeners are urged to reconsider their perception of exercise, recognising it as a fun, beneficial activity rather than a grind that you have to get through.
• Even five minutes per day can lead to substantial health improvements over time, and if you can't spare five minutes a day, what are you doing with your life?
• Exercise has to be fun, otherwise, you are unlikely to stick to it.
• The World Health Organisation recommends specific amounts of exercise, but any movement will be beneficial regardless of meeting those exact guidelines.
• Incorporating exercise into your daily routine, such as pairing it with existing habits like before a shower or your morning brew, will make it more achievable and feel less daunting.

You can find out more about Bob and why he became an osteopath here https://bit.ly/BobsOsteoStory

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