Every physical activity counts

Just the physical activity associated with my office work underwent a drastic change: Before the pandemic I would accumulate around 7,000 steps on the way to and from work and during the working day, but in my office at home I would manage just 700. After long days of countless Skype meetings I was missing something.To make myself feel better, I tried taking evening walks in the woods to achieve something that would otherwise happen completely automatically in every- day life. I needed to do this. Because exercise is a wonderful medicine: It lifts your spirits and makes your whole body feel healthier. Exercise makes you feel more vital, boosts the immune system and lowers stress levels.

But exercise is not only good for me, it also gives me great pleasure. Many people equate exercise with sport. I love sport – but some people are put off by sport.The important point is that exercise does not necessarily mean sport. Walking the dog, hanging out the washing, cleaning the windows, weeding in the garden – everyday life is full of opportunities for physical activity.Those who don’t enjoy such activities can exercise with others. For example, walking, chatting and simply enjoying a nice day with friends. Or playing tag and hide-and-seek and balancing on logs with children. Or what about dancing? People dance because they enjoy it, because they love music – while also training their bodies as an incidental benefit.The fact is that every physical activity counts. Whether at home, at work or during your leisure time. Those who exercise stay healthy for longer.