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ISLANDERS URGED TO ‘SIT LESS AND MOVE MORE’
AFTER RESEARCH CLAIMS
SITTING IS THE NEW SMOKING
A course this month will encourage Islanders to build more activity into everyday life.
Experienced local Pilates instructor Mo Sherring
will run the event at University College Isle
of Man on Saturday 18th May 10am – 1pm, to
demonstrate why increasingly sedentary lives
are dangerous and how to overcome such risks.
Mo, founder of Isle of Man Pilates Studio, is
leading the session following new research
from two Northern Ireland institutions, Queen’s
University Belfast and Ulster University.
It concluded that measures should be
taken to reduce sedentary behaviour
with the aim of improving health and
reducing the financial burden on
the health service.
She explained: ‘Nowadays, many
of us spend several hours of each
day sitting down. Most people are
desk-bound and looking at computers
while at work and even then some spend their
leisure time watching television, surfing the net
or slouched over their phone.
‘It has long been shown that people should
sit less and move more but, with changes in
lifestyle, in recent years even the views of
experts have been unequivocal.
‘They say sitting is more dangerous than
smoking and sitting for long periods can
increase the risk of serious disease, not to
mention that doing nothing means you’re more
likely to become obese which also increases
your risks of a broad range of health conditions.
‘Pilates is the perfect way to address this as
there are numerous benefits to be gained.’
These include improved posture, balance and
core strength, increased strength and flexibility,
better lung capacity, improved circulation and
enhanced muscular and mental coordination.
Joseph Pilates, founder of the globally
practiced exercise, was interned at Knockaloe
for three and a half years during World War
One. During that time, he developed exercises
and training techniques which are now used all
over the world.
The course, from 10am-1pm, will include a talk
and practical classes comprising of matwork
and the use of small equipment. All mats and
equipment will be provided.
Mo added: ‘If Joseph Pilates had been alive
today I don’t think he would have approved
of emails instead of getting up
and speaking to colleagues.
He would have invented
exercises to use in the
workplace. ‘He realised that sitting for
long spells makes the muscles
in your lower body turn off
and become inactive which
compromises how our metabolism
works and how our brain and body
functions. ‘This course will raise awareness of
how we are weakening our bodies and
what we can do in our day-to-day lives
to improve our health and wellbeing.’
To find out more or register for the
course, call Mo Sherring on 490480.
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