The government’s new exercise campaign encourages us to get 30 minutes of physical activity a day. But while ads can get us to change our attitudes, they’re unlikely to change our behaviour.
Who hasn’t been told to stretch before and after exercise to prevent injury and improve performance? There may be no scientific evidence to back that up, although stretching has other benefits.
Researchers are learning even more about how a sedentary lifestyle is bad for our bodies. A recent study shows a link between sitting patterns and diabetes in older people.
Part of yoga’s appeal is that it is seen as a mystical, ancient tradition. The truth is, the practice of yoga today is profoundly different from those ancient ways.
A recent series on low back pain by the global medical journal The Lancet shows doctors often overlook recommended treatments, such as advice to stay active and to exercise.
Historically the advice to cancer patients was to rest and avoid activity. We now know this advice may be harmful to patients, and that every person with cancer would benefit from exercise medicine.