Some people are sedentary for the majority of their lives. While being sedentary is the easiest thing to do in the short term, it definitely isn’t the healthiest. Plus, it will 100% cause you more problems in the long term. Failing to get daily exercise and the minimum recommended number of steps a day (5000) can leave you with a weak immune system, heart disease, and many other issues.

If you’ve been sedentary for most of your life, you might think that it’s too late to turn to sport. Well, that’s where you’re wrong. It’s never too late to turn to sport; there are athletes aged 80-95 who are still killing it on the track and field. Even if you’re young but feel you have no ‘natural talent’ – newsflash: hardly anybody has natural talent! Some kids are sent to dance school while they’re young and become incredible dancers. They still have to work for it. Everybody has to work for something they want to be good at. You can’t use ‘natural ability’ as an excuse not to do something. Here are some ideas that could help you turn your life around before you experience difficult health issues:

Go To A Fitness Class

If you don’t want to begin something alone through fear of not sticking to it, go to a fitness class. Fitness classes have many benefits, including accountability and feeling more motivated throughout the session. There will likely be lots of different fitness classes in your area depending on what you want to try. Yoga can help flexibility, while indoor biking will help you to improve your cardiovascular fitness.

Start Something With A Friend

If there aren’t any classes you want to try, why not consider starting something with a friend? If you’re both brand new to it, it’s going to be much less scary doing it together. You could read up on bike reviews and then cycle outdoors together. Not only will you stay fit and healthy, you’ll enjoy the benefits of fresh air, sunshine, and amazing scenery! Even simply hiking or walking with a friend can make great exercise and counteract a sedentary lifestyle.

Hire A Trainer

Hiring a trainer is a big decision, as they can be expensive. However, you don’t have to stick with them forever; a few sessions until you know what you’re doing would suffice. They will give you advice, help you to perfect your form, and make you feel more confident. Bear in mind that they are not all created equally, so do your research!

Remember Both The Short And Long Term Benefits

Most people don’t stick to something, or start it at all, because they don’t have strong enough reasons for doing it. Make sure you remember both the short and long term benefits of exercise. Short term benefits include releasing endorphins (the happy hormone), more energy, better sleep, and more. Long term benefits include a stronger immune system, less illness, a better quality of life, more flexibility, and more. You just can’t argue with the many benefits that exercise and sport can offer!