Back to basics for a free way to good health

Apr 7 2003 By Nicholas Craig, The Journal

The North-East has the highest gym membership in the country - no thanks to me, I hasten to add. But one in six of you are gym bunnies. Well done.

I'm one of the other statistics - the 70pc of men and 80pc of women who do not do enough exercise according to health professionals. That means 30 minutes a day of ``brisk walking" five days a week. I enjoy golf and cricket, but not daily. My regular walks may begin briskly but end as pleasant strolls.

Our deskbound lifestyles largely consist of sleeping, eating, commuting and working throughout the day. The eating slots rarely involve the five helpings of fresh fruit and vegetables we are advised to take. Our collective guilt at not living up to the standards of the pristine professionals leads us either to the bottle-opener or the gym.

The pace of work today demands survival of the fittest. In this region, the gym is increasingly the answer to computer-controlled days. More health clubs are opening, creating niche markets for ladies, senior citizens, mother and babies, over 25s, muscle toning for men and so on.

There are now more than 2,500 private gyms in the country all vying for your time and money. I'm all for keeping fit, but not so keen on the commercial demands of the new health clubs.

Sport and leisure should fit into our daily routines. Gyms set the rules to suit the majority, which means many commuters missing out on set classes, and gym-goers glowing hotly alongside serried ranks of others at peak times. Not my idea of relaxation.

Apparently a quarter of us drop out six months after signing up. For those of us who like to exercise a bit of free will in our spare time, I advise getting back to basics. Walk, cycle or run whenever you wish. Runners can train when and where they like, for free.

No matter how fast, how far or how often you run, cycle or walk, it's a good way to lose weight, reduce stress and help you live longer. And you don't need membership.

* Nicholas Craig is a partner at Watson Burton law firm.