Exercise wasn't always for Harry Bullmore. Now a fitness coach and senior fitness writer for The Independent, he recalls dreading the gym and explains what changed, emphasizing the importance of finding movement you truly enjoy.
The Problem with Forced Exercise
A recent survey revealed that unpleasant PE experiences put 28% of people off exercise for life. In the UK, if you didn't excel at football, rugby, athletics, or netball, you might believe sport isn't for you. As adults, many turn to running, which often feels horrible because the body isn't ready, leading to quitting. The missing element is choice. It's hard to build a healthy relationship with something you feel forced into.
Finding Your Movement
Exercise becomes less of a chore when you find a form of movement you enjoy and actively choose to do regularly, such as swimming, pickleball, home workouts, qigong, or Nordic walking. This is the theme of Bullmore's newsletter, Well Enough with Harry Bullmore.
Inspiring Stories
Anne Dockery, a 77-year-old champion runner and triathlete from Bristol, started running at 52. She initially found running boring but joined a club where she ran with a diverse group every Sunday. The social element made it fun, and she soon covered up to 18 miles a day. Bullmore's uncle joined a volleyball club in his sixties, his mother discovered Cornish pilot gig rowing, and a friend found a dance class she loves. As the WHO states, "Every move counts towards better health."
Personal Journey
Bullmore himself grew into a gangly teen and tried the gym, but left after others sniggered at his efforts. However, he loved learning, so he bought cheap dumbbells and a barbell, devoured strength training literature, and worked out in his garden shed. His body and mindset changed, and he grew to love it. He later returned to the gym with confidence and a self-made plan.
Practical Tips for Enjoyable Exercise
- Start with a coach: Learning 5-10 fundamental exercises (squats, lunges, presses, rows) builds confidence and a robust body.
- Home workouts: If the gym feels intimidating, accessible home workouts are a time-savvy alternative.
- Outdoor sessions: Try coach Dan John's favourite kettlebell workout for added enjoyment.
- Social connections: Exercising with friends boosts health benefits, as highlighted by an 80-plus-year Harvard study.
The Optimal Exercise Mix
On paper, the ideal mix includes regular strength training, challenging your heart and lungs a couple of times per week, and general movement like walking. But the key takeaway is that any movement is better than none, and fun is invaluable. Combine the two, and you'll be laughing.
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