Fitness is not a luxury

At this time of year many people think about gym membership as a way to kick start their new year's resolutions and get back into shape after the excesses of the Christmas and New Year holidays. There was a very interesting article in the Irish Independent yesterday by Damien Maher arguing the case that the benefits of joining a gym far outweigh the costs involved.

The cost of fitness issue came to a head in the Dail on the eve of the budget when some politicians felt that it was a luxury to hire a gym instructor for Leinster House in the light of the country's financial meltdown.

The article made the point that our TDs should give the rest of the country a lead and improve their fitness by employing the instructor. If they could become healthier why couldn't everyone else? The author pointed out that people feel better physically and mentally when they exercise and that many health problems ranging from cardio-vascular disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer can be reduced by even small improvements in fitness. He also highlighted how exercise could address the growing problem of obesity.