The NHS has launched a free fitness studio with 23 instructor-led workout videos, offering an alternative to costly gym memberships. Created by fitness experts, the videos range from 10 to 45 minutes and include aerobic, strength, resistance, pilates, and yoga sessions.
Each video lists its intensity and provides a visual demonstration, with audio descriptions available. The workouts are designed to help people lose weight and tone up, with exercises targeting abs, heart rate, and upper arms. Specialised sessions include postnatal yoga, pilates for back pain, and belly dancing for beginners.
The NHS emphasises that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of major illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, and lower the risk of early death by up to 30%. For adults aged 19 to 64, the NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.
For weight loss, the NHS advises combining exercise with a healthy diet. It notes that reducing daily calorie intake by about 600kcal can aid weight loss, bringing typical targets to 1,900kcal for men and 1,400kcal for women. The free videos are available on the NHS website.
