The Magic Number: 150

It’s that time of the year when we resolve to get fitter than last year. There’s no particular reason we do this except that the year changes. There’s no specific plan that we appr­oach it with either. A passionate resolve is the only plan; it doesn’t matter that passion alone hasn’t converted to better exercise compliance in 2014, or as far back as one can remember.

Passion needs a planned approach too, especially when it is about getting thin, fit or to lose weight. One of the most sensible ways of get­ting fit is planning exercise for 150 minutes a week. That’s all it takes to keep every lifestyle disease, including obesity, at bay. The problem is that in 2014 and earlier, we waited for the time when we could get at least six days of workout a week. That’s like waiting for Mr Right. You are waiting for a myth; disappointment and ageing are the natural consequences.

Weekly 150 minutes accommodates for rough times at work, holidays, gue­sts, bad weather, bad mood, basically for life in general. Life can be simple when you approach it with a simple, sensible, sustainable exercise plan and a bitch/ tough when you plan for exercise for six days a week. Especia­lly when, in the last six mon­ths, you haven’t even managed six days. So get real, 2015 is here, it’s your cha­nce to be fitter and smar­ter. Do it now! Happy New Year.