Fundraising
Screen time rises as lockdown makes exercise difficult for many
Exercise and the great outdoors have taken a backseat as Brits have increased their gaming, phone time and TV during lock down, our new survey reveals.
A survey of 2,000 people has shown more than half of UK adults say they have spent more time surfing the internet and social media (55%) since the lockdown began, with half saying that they have watched more TV (50%).
The survey also revealed that many have found it difficult to stay active and stick to a balanced lifestyle, with a quarter of people surveyed saying they have done less exercise and over a fifth (23%) saying they have eaten more junk food. On average people have left their home just three times a week to exercise since late March.
The figures show lockdown could also be taking its toll on our mental health. Almost a third of those surveyed say they feel less healthy (30%), over a third say the feel more stressed (37%), and more than four in ten say they are feeling more anxious (42%).
My Step Challenge
The BHF and Olympic legend Roger Black are encouraging people to get active and help to raise funds for the our life saving research by taking part in My Step Challenge.
My Step Challenge has three different levels: from 50,000 steps for those who are new to exercising or looking to get active again to 500,000 steps for those who are already active and are looking for a goal to work towards. The challenges can be completed in your own time and were designed with the help of BHF Cardiac Nurses to make them suitable for all fitness levels, including those with heart and circulatory conditions.
"...physical and mental health has never been more important"
Olympic and World Champion runner and BHF Ambassador Roger Black MBE, said: “I’ve never let my heart condition hold me back from achieving my goals. I’m proud to be a British Heart Foundation Ambassador as the research they fund helps people like myself lead a fit and healthy life.
“In these unprecedented times, looking after our physical and mental health has never been more important. Walking is an essential part of my life and a great form of exercise that anyone can do. My Step Challenge is a brilliant way to connect with others, get active and feel good – as well as helping raise money to support the BHF’s vital work.”
The data also revealed that on average those surveyed are spending just 124 minutes a week exercising during the lock down, falling short of the recommended 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week.
Walking benefits
Barbara Kobson, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said; “We’ve all felt the strain of lock down but it’s important to try and limit the impact it has on our health. Brisk walking for 20-30 minutes a day can be a simple way to achieve the recommended 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week and can also improve sleep patterns, reduce stress levels, boost your energy levels and help you get fit and active.
“Whether you're new to exercise or an experienced walker, taking part in the garden or at the park, or even if you’re walking in your own front room, My Step Challenge has a target to suit you. Each step you take will help support the BHF’s life saving research into heart and circulatory conditions, which affect around 7.4 million people in the UK.”