After months of training, health editor Hanna Geissler completed her first half marathon along the river in Kingston upon Thames, finishing in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace. The first 10 miles went well, but the last three were difficult, with thigh muscles screaming and feet feeling encased in concrete. Despite the strain, she felt a rush of triumph and officially became a runner.
For most of her life, Geissler believed she lacked the “sporty gene” and felt overwhelmed whenever she considered increasing her physical activity. This is why a recent paper by three psychiatry researchers in Canada struck a chord with her.
Exercise Should Be Formally Prescribed
The researchers argued that exercise should be formally prescribed, just as a physician specifies the dosage, frequency and duration of a drug. They suggest that exercise should be prescribed with the same clinical precision, rather than being a throwaway suggestion during a GP appointment.
Geissler has experienced benefits including better digestive and mental health. However, she notes that you do not need to run 13.1 miles to reap the biological rewards.
Small Amounts of Activity Can Help
Writing in the Genomic Press medical journal, the experts pointed to evidence that as little as 75 minutes of moderate activity per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, dancing or hiking, can improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms. Exercise has also been linked to lower risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
A report from the Commons Health and Social Care Committee in May similarly suggested that advice and social prescribing of physical activity should become a core, routine offering to older people from their GPs and other clinicians.
Barriers and the NHS
For people who have the ability to be more active but struggle, the biggest barrier is not always pure laziness. Sometimes, it is inertia, overwhelm and fear of embarrassment.
The NHS offers exercise referral schemes in some areas, but they depend on local arrangements and are not routinely used by most people who could benefit. Giving many more patients a detailed, realistic plan might be the most potent prescription the health service could write.
As Dr Nicholas Fabiano, from the University of Ottawa’s Department of Psychiatry, says: “The starting point does not have to be impressive. It has to be possible.”
