Summer 2012 was an astonishing summer of sport – Euro 2012, Bradley Wiggins winning Le Tour, Wimbledon and the spectacle of the Olympics and Paralympics. 2013 had a lot to live up to but it has done well – Andy Murray winning Wimbledon, Chris Froome winning the Tour de France and The Ashes already retained.

All inspiring people, young and old, to get out there and get active. Isn’t it?

Well, not if we are to believe what we read about the state of the nation’s health. Increasing rates of obesity, inactivity and Type 2 diabetes. There is not a week goes by that I don’t read a report describing an increase in some life-shortening condition, and this is linked to lifestyle, in particular lack of exercise or inactivity. Part of the problem is many of us have inactive jobs. If I stopped 100 people in North Street on Monday and asked them what they did for a job, it wouldn’t really matter what the answer was, at least 75 per cent of them will spend their working day sat at a desk. That’s not to say they’re not busy – quite the opposite. Many of us work through lunch, start early, finish late and take work home. So how do we get more active? Plan, plan and plan.

Plan activity into your day. One day a week, walk to work, go for a swim. If you’re a member of a gym, arrange to exercise with a friend. Take part in an organised activity at the leisure centre or with one of the many local clubs. Lots of these clubs cater specifically for beginners – you don’t have to be a Victoria Pendleton to get involved. Your legs don’t have to work like Mo’s to join in with the Bradford Parkrun. And the great thing with lots of these is they’re free or cost very little to get involved with.

Go on, plan a little more activity into your life.

You will be amazed the difference it makes.

CONTACTS Bradford Park Run, a free 5K organised run every Saturday parkrun.org.uk/bradford Yorkshire Fitness Crew runs Zumba classes for all abilities yorkshirefitnesscrew.yolasite.com Keighley and Craven Athletics club, based at UAK organise beginners’ running sessions kcac.co.uk There are a number of cycling clubs catering for all levels of ability and fitness – Bronte Wheelers (see below), Aire Valley Cycles and South Craven Wheelers Or send me an e-mail at info@nuphysiofit.co.uk and I’ll happily send you in the right direction