Get exercising!

With all the recent sunny weather, I’m sure I’m not the only one wondering how I’ll look in swimwear and what I need to do to make it a less embarassing prospect.

It always amuses/bemuses me that it takes vanity or a physical health crisis to remind me that I need to be exercising in order to maintain and improve my health and immune system.

Both my recent diagnosis of low bone density and the prospect of my belly hanging over my swimming trunks have got me thinking about getting back to a regular exercise routine - something which used to be a habit. The problem of course, is that broken habits can be difficult to get back into and although I know only too well what I need to do, translating that knowledge into action is a different matter.

At the end of the day though, it’s only me that can do it, so whilst I’m not at the stage of running marathons yet, I have signed up to do the Walk For Life, gone back to a couple of yoga classes a week and am using the stairs instead of the lift at work. Hopefully, getting back into the habit of doing a little bit extra now will mean I can delay the need to consider hip replacements, more medication or home help in the future!

Thankfully, my instinct for self-preservation kicks in earlier these days than when I was in my 20’s, when only an all-out disaster would get me to change my behaviour (eg. my HIV diagnosis).

But what motivates you to look after yourself? Post your tips and answers in the Staying Healthy section of the Community Forums so that we can all benefit.

Garry Brough
Membership & Involvement Officer