Around the time that this article was being written, the country is largely under a blanket of snow, many schools are closed, the transport network is in chaos, and the Hoyles Fitness team have been out building snowmen and playing on sledges.

We are made well aware of the fact that the population in general does not take enough exercise, and that obesity is on the increase. What a great opportunity to combine exercise, physical activity and fun all in one go.

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Physical activity improves health – pure and simple. By maintaining a reasonable level of physical fitness and bodyweight, you will reduce the risk of illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Exercise will make bones and joints stronger, control weight and generally give you a feeling of wellbeing

Physical activity is defined as movement which results in energy expenditure.

Exercise is a planned, structured session with the aim of maintaining or improving physical fitness.

The activity levels are also defined as light, moderate or vigorous depending on their physical effects on us.

Light activity is normal activity such as a walk in the park.

Moderate activity makes you feel warm, out of breath and with an increase in the heart rate.

Vigorous activity requires sustained effort – sweating and an increase in breathing and heart rate. Running, fast swimming, rowing – and of course pulling the children along on a sledge would all have that result.

The Health Education Authority guidelines suggest that we should be doing at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity at least five days a week – and that does not need to include visiting a gym, riding a bike or running on a treadmill.

Try some of the following:

• Use the stairs at work, instead of the lift
• Don’t send internal emails – get up and go across the workplace to talk
• Get out for a brisk walk at lunchtime – don’t spend it at your desk
• Walk to the local shops instead of driving to the supermarket. Not only will you get exercise, but you’ll probably spend less too.
• Take a brisk evening walk instead of sitting in front of the television. Find some hills if you can, to make light activity into vigorous activity.
• Plan a family activity such as swimming, cycling, a long country walk.
• Go sledging, have a snowball fight and build a snowman.

Hoyles Snowman

If you are not used to exercise or activity at all, build up to it gradually. Once a week, then twice, then three times and so on.

Exercise does not have to be something that is planned and programmed. By making a few careful adjustments to your routine, you can incorporate exercise into your life.

What could be better than coming in from the snow freezing cold, soaking wet, red in the face, exhausted – and having had the best fun you have had for a long time!

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