A powerful new look at exercise from a recent BBC Horizon programme.

The first 15 seconds of the BBC Horizon Programme – The Truth About Exercise – sum it up in a nutshell.

Exercise!  I know I should but I don’t particularly enjoy it, I begrudge the time and I never seem to make much progress!

So say many of us!

I’m 68 next birthday and while I try and watch my weight and eat a healthy diet I know my overall fitness is far from what it should be.  A neighbour lent me a bicycle the other day because I had this notion that riding into town, just over a mile away, would make a great healthy difference.  In my younger days, I would ride dozens of miles on a bike and think nothing of it.  But when I jumped on the bike and set off up the road, in less than 300 yards I had come to a halt stumped by the very first incline!  So much for my fitness!

Thus when we watched this BBC Horizon programme, I could hardly believe what was being proposed.  That surprising new research suggests many of us could benefit from just three minutes of high intensity exercise a week.  Yes, I did write three minutes a week!

Here’s how the video is introduced,

Like many, Michael Mosley want to get fitter and healthier but can’t face hours on the treadmill or trips to the gym. Help may be at hand.

He uncovers the surprising new research which suggests many of us could benefit from just three minutes of high intensity exercise a week.

He discovers the hidden power of simple activities like walking and fidgeting, and finds out why some of us don’t respond to exercise at all

Using himself as a guinea pig, Michael uncovers the surprising new research about exercise, that has the power to make us all live longer and healthier lives.

The video is 58 minutes long and I thoroughly recommend that you find a comfortable seat and remain undisturbed while you watch every minute of this mind-blowing programme.

P.S. Jean and I were down in Phoenix last week and a local fitness store had a sale of exercise bikes.  I purchased what looked like a well-built bike, listed at $249, for $159.  Now a week later, I can confirm that 20 seconds of ‘flat out’ pedalling really does have one heaving for breath.  So watch the video!!

P.P.S.  Doesn’t need to be said but if any reader is motivated by the video to buy a bike and adopt the exercise regime they should take into account their own health and, if in any doubt, see a doctor first.