The nation’s blood pressure is rising, causing new health concerns that our industry must help resolve.

Within 10 years, new figures suggest that 30 per cent of all adults will have high blood pressure. But even moderate exercise - three times 30 minutes a week - can improve the nation’s health and fitness; and taking this “medicine” in smaller chunks of 10 minutes can still bring benefits - and enjoyment!

Our industry should join with the government, at national and local levels, in publicising the national need for exercise. That old “I haven’t got time” excuse needs to be attacked - how about 10 minutes at lunch time? Find a friend, find a park – create a group - and walk briskly. Take up a sport. Join a gym. “A walk in the park” – synonymous with the easy life, but also the good life. We need to be saying - when did you last use your park?

The rush of endorphins following even mild activity cannot be minimized; the renewed feeling of energy, the joy of moving; can you remember being a child? Children were never designed to sit still – adults have trained them to do that! Let’s ‘untrain’ ourselves and them, let’s get out there and play!

Let’s target the bad habits - driving instead of cycling or walking, school runs without running, sitting/watching without actively taking part, ‘gameboys’ not cowboys, skipping school without skipping ... and so on.

And the overall impact of a successful campaign, along these lines? Lower blood pressures, reduced health risks, people round the UK feeling better, increased productivity ( eg in the afternoon!)

Any campaign ideas? Do mail us at [email protected]

Photograph courtesy of Sefton Council. Reprinted from Health Club Management magazine