Exercise is the number one treatment for depression, and a whole range of other physical benefits

Benefits you can expect include:

• Reduces body fat percentage

• Increases heart and lung function, thereby reducing your chances of developing heart disease

• Reduces blood pressure and pulse

• Reduces insulin resistance

• Produces of endorphins, natural chemicals that act as pain-killers and mood elevators providing a sense of well being

What's right for you?

Once you’ve decided to introduce physical activity into your daily life, the next decision is the type of activity for you. Look for a physical activity that you’re likely to enjoy and that you are going to be able to sustain. You are more likely to ditch the healthy lifestyle if your chosen activity doesn’t suit your lifestyle. Some ways of helping you narrow down your search are to first choose, if you like to exercise alone, with a friend or in a team. Once you know which style you are more partial towards you may want to look at some of these tips to help you choose which activity is best for you.

• Don’t worry about outdoor activities if you’re bothered by weather conditions, or have different activities for different times of the year.

• Think back to your childhood memories and remember what you enjoyed and didn’t enjoy as a child.

• Keep your budget in mind. Some activities such as snowboarding or horse riding may need some continual expense, which will limit your exposure.

• Choose at least 2 exercise activities to help keep you encouraged.

• Change it around from time to time – if exercise gets boring, you are more likely to drop it again.

• It’s beneficial to include aerobic, resistance and core exercises into your routine.

• Reward yourself for achieving regular exercise (not with high calorie food though!)