A quarter of people living in Wales (29%) do not have enough energy to exercise for 150 minutes every week, according to a YouGov poll of 4,000 UK adults commissioned by Bowel Cancer UK.
These results are published during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this April.
The other three barriers that stop people from meeting the Welsh government’s recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week are:
- Don’t feel fit enough (28%)
- Don’t enjoy exercise (22%)
- Work commitments (21%)
A third of adults (33%) actually meet the government’s recommendations of moderate exercise.
Every year around 2,200 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in Wales, it’s the fourth most common cancer. Research shows that taking part in regular physical activity, which is 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or fast walking every week, can decrease your risk of bowel cancer.
Today Bowel Cancer UK publish findings of their new poll to launch the charity’s latest fundraising challenge, Step up for 30, to encourage people to take up regular exercise and be more active to reduce their risk of bowel cancer. It’s really simple, just get sponsored to do 30 minutes of physical activity every day for 30 days in June.
Professional dancer and former BBC Strictly Come Dancing pro, Flavia Cacace who is supporting the fundraising challenge, says: “I make sure to fit in a workout wherever I can. Wherever that’s a ten minute brisk walk to the shops, a quickstep whilst the kettle boils or a 15 minute more intense cardio session, it all adds up. That’s why I’m supporting Bowel Cancer UK’s Step up for 30 challenge. It’s a great way to get fit and discover types of exercise you love doing.”
Michael Locke, Fundraising Manager for Wales at Bowel Cancer UK says: “Exercise doesn’t just have to be about working out in a gym. You could walk, swim, dance, run, cycle, do yoga – the choice is yours!
“It’s really easy to get involved, there’s lots of creative ways you can get sponsored and get active during the month – doing squats while the kettle boils, taking the stairs rather than the lift, going for a walk during your lunch break, getting off the bus a stop early or even hoola-hooping during the TV adverts!
“Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Wales but with your help we can change that.”
Sign up for Step up for 30 here: bowelcanceruk.org.uk/stepupfor30
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