Nearly two-thirds of UK adults risk their health through lack of exercise

This is according to a new survey published by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) to launch their new UK wide ‘Move for Health’ campaign on 1st July 2009, highlighting the importance of exercise in maintaining good health and preventing illness.
The findings of the survey are that the majority of adults (63%) are not physically active enough, which can have serious medical consequences including a higher risk of cancer, obesity, heart disease, type-2 diabetes and stroke.
Dr Laura Bell, Cancer Research UK science information officer said:
“We know that being physically active reduces the risk of breast and bowel cancer and that the more active you are, the more you can reduce your cancer risk. Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day, 5 days a week.”
“This means something that makes you warm and slightly out of breath like brisk walking, gardening or housework. Research tells us that around half of all cancers could be prevented by changes to lifestyle.”
Bridget Hurley, chartered physiotherapist and CSP spokesperson said:
“Regular physical activity is as important as eating 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day… Without sufficient physical activity you are increasing your risk of life-threatening illnesses”
Exercise doesn’t need to be expensive, boring or time consuming. Just going outside at lunchtime for a half an hour walk every day will greatly increase your fitness levels.”