Everyday Athlete

Despite the fitness industry boom in recent years, there are still 20 million Brits that remain physically inactive, according to the British Heart Foundation. These people might not realise that it only takes 21 minutes of exercise daily to improve life span; a survey done by Vitality revealed that 150 minutes of exercise a week (the government recommended amount) was enough to extend life expectancy by three years. This comes as part of their ‘Everyday Athlete’ campaign to convince those of us with a phobia for exercise, that every day occurrences such as stair climbing and gardening, can make a significant difference to our health. Just one hour of house work a day can rid you of 210 calories a week, while taking a walk with the kid for 20 minutes a day can shed 349 calories on a weekly basis. As easy as that? It would seem so.

31% of those surveyed suggested time constraints as the main barrier to exercise; 21% pointed to the expense and 19% to not enjoying it
One hour of gardening daily can burn 279 calories each week