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February 2015
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Daily walk ‘may reduce the risk of early death’ By Christina Eccles TWICE as many deaths may be attributed to a lack of physical activity than obesity – but a modest increase in physical activity could greatly impact on results – new research has claimed. A study of over 334,000 European men and women – conducted by researchers at The University of Cambridge – found a brisk 20 minute walk each day could be enough to reduce an individual’s risk of early death – indicating just a small amount of daily physical activity could have substantial health benefits for the physically inactive. To measure the link between physical inactivity and premature death and its interaction with obesity, researchers analysed data from participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Study. Researchers found the greatest reduction in risk of premature death occurred in the comparison between inactive and moderately inactive groups, judged by combining activity at work with recreational activity. Just under a quarter of participants were categorised as inactive, reporting no recreational activity in combination with a sedentary occupation. The authors estimate doing exercise
equivalent to a 20 minute brisk walk each day would take an individual from the inactive to moderately inactive group and reduce their risk of premature death by 16 to 30 per cent. Researchers estimate 337,000 of the 9.2m deaths among European men and women were attributable to obesity, however, double this number may be blamed on physical inactivity. Professor Ulf Ekelund from the university’s Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, who led the study, said: “This is a simple message: just a small amount of physical activity each day could have substantial health benefits for people who are physically inactive. “Although we found that just 20 minutes would make a difference, we should really be looking to do more than this – physical activity has many proven health benefits and should be an important part of our daily life.” ukactive CEO David Stalker added: “This study cuts to the heart of the work that ukactive have been doing for years to underpin the fight against inactivity with a firm evidence base. “We know there is cross party support for turning the tide of inactivity; now it's time to move beyond talking and into action.”
No 257 £3
LIW sold to BodyPower, who plan to grow show BODYPOWER Holdings has acquired Leisure Industry Week from UBM. LIW, which showcases over 300 exhibitors and occupies three halls at the NEC, has been running for 25 years; offering professionals in the health, wellbeing and physical activity markets a platform to expand, network, promote and develop. BodyPower founder and CEO Nick Orton said: "LIW has a huge potential and is a great strategic fit with our current business activities.
A 70-year-old gym member has cycled past some of fittest people in the world to win gold in a global fitness competition. Tony Linturn, who trains at The Marlow Club, took part in MYZONE’s global Movers of 2014 competition and worked out he would need to hit the gym for a minimum three hours a day, 365 days of the year to take the top spot. Indoor cycling and spin coordinator at The Marlow Club, Steven Smith, said: “Tony is a real asset to our club and everyone here would like to congratulate him on such a fantastic personal achievement.”
“My team have the ability, knowledge and experience to take this prestigious expo to the next level. We have a rich history of developing trade shows, and a more recent history of success in the fitness and leisure markets. “We are excited, motivated and passionate about taking on LIW – exhibitors, sponsors, partners and visitors can expect to see some interesting developments, all geared to growing an already fantastic event, which has been superbly handled by the professionalism of the outgoing UBM team.”