Invigor8: Number of Wirral residents doing regular exercise increases

Jan 16 2013 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

ACCORDING to the latest findings of Sport England’s Active People Survey, Wirral has once again shown a significant increase in the number of residents who regularly take part in sporting activities.

Over a quarter – 26.8% – of those adults surveyed in Wirral said that they took part in, on average, three or more sessions a week of sporting activity. That placed Wirral 31st out of 326 local authorities.

The results speak for themselves and it is obvious that most of you know exercise is good for you, but do you know just how good?

From boosting your mood to improving your sleep patterns, find out how exercise can improve your life.

Controlling your weight

Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain and maintain weight loss. When you take part in physical activity you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.

Improving your mood

A workout at the gym stimulates brain chemicals that will leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. It is also one of the best things you can do for your mind. Regular exercise improves brain function, which prevents dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Sleeping better

People who exercise regularly fall asleep faster have a deeper sleep and wake less often during the night. Do not exercise too close to bedtime though because you might find yourself too energised to sleep!

Boosting your energy

Those who say they have no energy to exercise fail to realize that it is actually working out which gives you energy. Physical activity delivers oxygen to your heart and lungs and when they work more effectively, you have more energy to go about your daily routine.

Improving your health

No matter what your current weight, regular exercise will reduce the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. It also reduces the risk of having a stroke.

The bottom line is that physical activity is a great way to look better, feel better and improve your health.

So what are you waiting for? If you are not already exercising on a regular basis and enjoying all of these benefits, then now is as good a time as any. Check out Wirral Leisure Centres’ fantastic New Year fitness offers at wirral.gov.uk/nyny and make sure you get more active, more often.