Published: 19th Feb 2020
Most of us are only too aware we should be exercising far more than we do – but we have little or no idea of exactly how much that should be.
The good news, according to new UK guidelines, if that any amount of activity is now deemed to be good for you.
Indeed, a recent report from the UK’s chief medical officers says previous advice stating 10 minutes of activity was required to reap benefits has been discounted.
“Evidence now demonstrates that there is no minimum amount of physical activity required to achieve some health benefits,” they say.
This isn’t, however, an excuse to do as little as possible – we all need to be moving about more for our health and well-being.
Most of us, including those hoping to become a model and others already in the fashion model business, understand the importance of being healthy.
We know those who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing conditions, such as heart disease, type two diabetes, strokes and some cancers.
But are we aware consistent movement can improve self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, and reduce the risk of stress, depression and dementia?
Many of us assume youngsters should not be too concerned about taking exercise but even in their lives they are often too sedentary.
Those working in child modelling may often be on the go, but it is important to find time for them to run in the park, play football or perhaps go swimming too.
For them, regular physical activity is associated with improved learning, better mental health and cardiovascular fitness, and being a healthy weight.
Parents of baby models should ensure their youngsters of under a year are physically active several times a day in different ways.
Babies not yet mobile, should lie on their tummies for at least 30 minutes a day to practise reaching and grasping, pushing and pulling, while older ones should take part in an interactive floor-based activity, such as crawling.
Those with children in toddler modelling or of pre-school age should ensure their little ones spend at least three hours a day busying themselves in a variety of indoor and outdoor physical activities.
Teen models will be interested to learn young people aged five to 18 should engage in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes per day.
This can include PE, after-school activities, play and sports.
Female models and male models should note that each week adults aged 19 to 64 need to accumulate at least two and a half hours of moderate intensity activity. This might include brisk walking or cycling.
Equally, they could achieve 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity, such as running, or even shorter durations of a very vigorous intensity activity, such as sprinting or stair climbing, instead.
More senior or mature models, aged above 64, should also ensure they keep moving to maintain muscle strength, balance and flexibility.
They should aim to complete two and a half hours of moderate intensity aerobic activity, building up gently from current levels.
And older models who are already regularly active can gain benefits from 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity.
