Keeping fit whilst keeping it within your capabilities

By Liz Lockhart

Whilst the benefits of regular exercise are well established for both mental and physical health, it is worth remembering to keep fitness regimes within your capabilities. A good stroll can bring as much benefit as a marathon.

There are claims this week that injuries caused by New Year’s fitness resolutions have caused a considerable increase in employee absence rates across England. There has been a spike in musculoskeletal injuries and sickness absence during March and April, according to a survey of 2,000 chartered physiotherapists. Over-ambitious exercise programmes which started as part of New Year’s resolutions are thought to be to blame.

Physiotherapist provider Physio Med conducted a survey and found that requests for physiotherapy appointments soared ‘dramatically’ during March and April. 89% of survey respondents to the survey cited injuries related to exercise and sport as the most common cause of people seeking treatment.

The physiotherapist reported that around 49% of injuries were caused by people overestimating their ability and pushing themselves too far. More than a quarter (27%) reported a lack of proper instruction on correct fitness techniques or gym equipment and 12% blamed a not warming-up before exercise.

So remember whilst keeping active and taking regular exercise is great for mental and physical health, keep activity to a level that is achievable and safe.