Schedule just 20 minutes of exercise into your day and the benefits are almost instantaneous. And running is without a doubt the simplest form of exercise there is, keeping weight down, good for the bones, relieving stress and inducing a natural high.
But HOW can we get motivated and stay motivated? There are a few tricks and tips to get you through the difficult days when you just want to curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a bun.
Firstly, if you are a couch potato don't overdo it. Start gently, alternating brisk walking with short spells of jogging.
Run with a friend – you're likely to have much more success than going it alone, call it your mutual motivation society!
Load your iPod with your favourite music - sports psychologists say that exercising to music can keep you going for 15% longer.
Put your name down for a charity walk or run (no, NOT the London Marathon - well, at least not this year!) 5K is an achievable distance and will give you something to aim for. The buzz of getting that under your belt will undoubtedly motivate you towards a 10K next time!
And finally, JUST DO IT! (I'm sure I've heard that somewhere before?!) However, it does carry a certain logic. If you stop to think about the weather, what’s about to come on TV or how tired you are, you'll never get going. So do not engage brain - just put those trainers on and hit the streets... I guarantee that once you're done, you'll feel a million times better.
And for those of you who prefer the gym...
Breeze, the Urban Yoga Company is located in Beckenham near Croydon, offering traditional or hot yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and meditation.