Why is taking personal responsibility for your health important?

It would be so easy for the answer to be, “Because no-one else will take care of it for you”.

The NHS may not for much longer be the ultimate “backstop” for our health as it struggles with the demands from an ageing demographic and the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases; desk-bound occupations and the stresses and strains of a “modern” everyday living (obesity, diabetes, heart disease to name a few). If we add today’s frantic speed of life; demanding work schedules; family obligations and social media pressures, then you can understand how it would be easy to overlook or “de-prioritise” your fitness efforts and obligations to yourself. However, looking after yourself (prevention) will always be better than finding yourself needing medical intervention further down the line. Small lifestyle changes can make all the difference in the long run.

Why does taking responsibility matter now?
The latest Health Survey for England (2023) revealed that 64% of adults in the UK are classified as overweight or obese. Whilst everyone’s health situation is different, one thing that (I hope) unites us all, is that we want to live without pain or discomfort, and enjoy our activities for as long as we can. It’s not rocket science – but the only person who can get moving, or seek help for your health issues…is YOU!

With the population living longer than before, we must work hard to keep our musculo-skeletal and immune system strong to be able to enjoy the decades! It is pleasing that many people are becoming more aware of the importance of improving and maintaining their health due to social media influencers, wellness communities, and the explosion of health-related content in all media. We’re also seeing an increase in interest around plant-based diets, meditation, self-care and sustainable fitness practices.

The World Health Organisation definition of physical activity is any bodily movement produced by
skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. They take the strong position that physical
activity it is essential to good health and they promote regular exercise to reduce the risk of many
non-communicable diseases. Getting yourself up and getting moving is a necessity and there’s SO MANY WAYS you can do it! There really is no excuse…

This is where a personal trainer can step-in: delivering effective, bespoke, structured physical activity for each of their clients. Oh yes, and it helps if the exercise is also enjoyable!

Mental Health and Wellbeing
In addition, it has been recognised that your mental well-being is your responsibility. Psychologists refer to “Stewarding your soul”. The definition of a steward is “a person whose responsibility it is to take care of something”, so step up to YOUR responsibility to look after YOUR soul, body and mind. This might be through taking daily walks, time out to read or listen to a podcast, or seeking talking therapy.

Not sure where to begin?
If you would like to discuss how to start on your path to managing your health and wellbeing
through exercise, please get in touch.

Research and acknowledgements
www.alcoholchange.org.uk
www.kingsfund.org.uk
www.england.nhs.uk
www.psychologytoday.com
www.isfglobal.org/