In this week’s blog our guest blogger, freelance journalist, Stacey Mensah, asks the question: ‘Are you getting enough exercise?’ and explores the barriers to exercise.

A poll has estimated that Britons spend twice as long on the toilet every week as they do exercising. With adults clocking up an average of three hours and nine minutes on their loos every week. This is serious business! Now to some this isn’t really going to mean anything and others frankly would not want to know. However, the reason why we’re making this comparison is to show the stark differences between the two activities and why we should be doing one of them for a lot longer. With the NHS recommending we perform 150 minutes’ worth of exercise each week, it makes me wonder what could be the possible barriers towards reaching this goal and if it in fact is enough.

Having lived in a cosmopolitan city for the majority of my years I can say with ease that exercising for 30 minutes a day is more than probable. And just remember that this is coming from a person who would choose the escalator over the stairs every single time! When the NHS is talking about moderate exercise this includes brisk walking – can I get a hallelujah! That sprint to catch the train, the light jog to the meeting and even the walk to pub for after work drinks’ count. But here is the dose of reality – the office treats, the regular intake of alcohol and your hate for vegetables isn’t doing you any favours. For those of us that like to indulge in the naughtier items on the menu we should also be willing to increase our doses of daily exercise.

But let’s be real that doesn’t always happen! UKactive has found that one of the biggest barriers to exercise were busy working lives which was followed by family commitments. At certain phases in my life I have found myself several days into my week without having worked out or done any significant bouts of exercise. When the delivery driver, waitress or restaurant manager knows me by name and order the I know it’s time to switch a few things up.

According to the organisation, a lack of exercise claims over 30,000 lives each year and costs the UK £20 billion. I know to some working professionals working out in groups or having someone to be accountable to helps them to stick to their goals. A personal trainer, a nutritionist or even just an active Instagram feed bulging with fitness pictures is enough for some. And it seems as though 41%* of 18 to 24-year-olds prefer using social media as a source of motivation, as it encourages them to head down to the gym.

Although there has been much attention in regards to young people and exercise, chief knowledge officer to the NHS, professor Sir Muir Gray offers a sentiment that we all need to be reminded of: “People often think exercise is only for young people, but older adults are the people who stand to gain most from the mental, social and physical benefits of being active”.

How many hours of exercise do you get every week? What challenges do you face? We would love to hear from you…