ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie advises that steady exercise counts

Every adult should avoid the notion that if they are not throwing themselves into a sweat-drenching workout for more than an hour it doesn’t count, according to Exercise Association of New Zealand (ExerciseNZ) Chief Executive' Richard Beddie.

Urging New Zealanders to get more physically active, Beddie says an obesity epidemic is gripping the country which also has a physical inactivity crisis, being the 13th worst in the world - and the worst for children with only 10% meeting World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

While exercise may not be on the top of most people’s do list, Beddie points out that the WHO says it should be.

Beddie (pictured below), who is on a WHO working group looking at global health, activity and exercise which is meeting and discussing issues next year, advises “the WHO has recently updated its guidelines on physical activity and every New Zealander needs to exercise daily. At the moment almost half Kiwi adults and four out of five young people don’t get enough aerobic exercise.

“That might not sound so bad, but a lack of physical activity can increase the odds of an early death by 20 to 30%.

“Almost every major disease from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes together with degenerative diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinson’s plus mental health issues like depression and anxiety all benefit from exercise.

“The latest WHO guidelines recommend a minimum of 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity a week or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of both. 

“That many not sound much Although that might sound like a lot, if you break it down to how much exercise a day you need, it works out to less than an hour.

“I agree with my colleagues at WHO that people should reach the weekly guidelines by accumulating activity each day but it’s okay to miss a day.

“Exercising about round 300 minutes a week may offer additional benefits to those wanting to lose weight. Researchers say that after 12 weeks, the amount of WHO-recommended exercise leads to a loss of notable body fat loss, for are sedentary adults.”

The WHO guidelines don’t just spell out the amount and intensity of exercise needed for optimal health; they recommend the types of aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening exercises. 

Beddie says that the scientific community have known for a long time that there is a link between physical activity and better health. Regular or daily physical activity is one of the most important things people can do for their health.

He adds “ongoing activity can improve a person’s brain health; help them better manage their weight; reduce their chances of developing various diseases, including diabetes, some cancers, and cardiovascular disease; strengthen their muscles and bones; and improve mental health.”