Latest News: Bring out the Olympic champion in you

2012 is an Olympic year so there’s no better time to bring out the athlete in you.   For some, this means using that gym membership to the full, but for many a different challenge is needed to get your heart pumping faster and keep your arteries healthy.

You should aim for 30 minutes of exercise, five times each week, at a moderate intensity level that gets your heart beating faster and makes you feel warm and slightly breathless,.  Alternatively, doing a total of 75 minutes a week of high intensity or vigorous activity is also beneficial. 

Including muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week is also important so choose activities that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms).  This could include things like squats, press ups and abdominal curls or exercising with weights or resistance bands.

Regular bouts of physical activity will improve your energy levels, promote healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure, keep your waistline in check and help that heart muscle pump more efficiently.

Here are some ideas to push you off the blocks and get you past that finish line with a healthier heart.

• Make your commuting work for you: cycle to and from work or get off the bus or train earlier and walk briskly the rest of the way.  If you must take the car, park further away.

• Socialise and keep fit at the same time by joining a local sports team or begin a new exercise class such as Zumba, spinning or salsa;

• Set up regular exercise sessions at home using the Wii-fit, Playstation or X-box and make it a fun, family activity.

• Keep setting progressive targets when exercise becomes too easy. Walk further and faster on different terrains and gradients to benefit your heart.

Make this an Olympic year for you - you may not win any medals, but your heart can be as strong as gold.