Get Active for Life: Issue #5

🕺 Interesting People

Meet Jemima

“I honestly don’t know where I would be without exercise.”

Jemima didn’t start her fitness journey for the healthiest reasons - like many teenagers, she was caught up in how she looked. But over time, exercise stopped being about appearance and became her anchor for confidence, resilience, and mental wellbeing.

In this conversation, Jemima opens up about:

• The first workouts she followed as a teenager in her backyard

• How moving her body gave her a rare space to focus just on herself

• Why she embraces “different seasons in life” instead of chasing perfection

• The simple strategy she uses when motivation is low: don’t overcomplicate it

• Why her biggest reward has nothing to do with looks, and everything to do with mental health

• The surprise of going from zero running to training for a half marathon

Jemima’s story is less about rules or rigid routines, and more about learning to trust yourself, enjoy the process, and celebrate what your body can do.

Takeaway: Don’t overcomplicate it. Just move.

You can watch our interview with Jemima here.

📝 Health & Wellness News

What we’ve been reading this week

🚶‍♂️ Fast Walking Just 15 Minutes Daily Cuts Death Risk by 20%

New research shows that walking fast for a minimum of 15 minutes a day can reduce mortality by nearly 20%. The study emphasises that it's not just about the number of steps, but the pace that matters most. Even short bursts of brisk walking can have significant health benefits for longevity.

Sources: CNN

😴 Sleep and Mental Health Have a Two-Way Relationship

Stanford Medicine researchers have revealed that sleep and mental health influence each other in a "bidirectional" way. Poor sleep can trigger mood problems, but mental health conditions also affect how well we sleep. The research shows that improving sleep quality can be a powerful tool for better mental wellbeing.

Source: Stanford Medicine

🧬 Scientists Discover the Immune System's "Fountain of Youth"

Mayo Clinic researchers have identified what they call "immune youth" – some people over 60 have immune systems that appear much younger than their chronological age. This discovery could lead to new ways to maintain immune function as we age and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.

Sources: Mayo Clinic | The Independent

🧓 Centenarians Share Two Key Longevity Factors

A scientist who studied 4,330 people who lived to 100 years old found they share two remarkable traits: a "superhuman ability" to resist certain diseases and exceptional resilience to health challenges. The research suggests that centenarians have unique biological advantages that help them live longer, healthier lives.

Sources: Newsweek

💪 Aerobic Exercise Delivers Triple Health Benefits

New research from McMaster University shows that aerobic exercise provides three key evidence-based benefits: improved executive brain function, better physical fitness, and enhanced blood sugar control. The study reinforces that regular cardio exercise is one of the most effective ways to boost overall health.

Sources: McMaster Optimal Aging

🧠 Weekend Sleep-Ins Actually Protect Your Heart

A groundbreaking study of over 90,000 people presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress found that those who "catch up" on sleep during weekends had a 19-20% lower risk of developing heart disease. The protective effect was even more pronounced for people who regularly experience inadequate sleep during weekdays, showing that compensatory weekend sleep can genuinely benefit cardiovascular health.

Source: European Society of Cardiology | Medical News Today

👍 Actionable Tip of the Week

The Power Hour → Transform Your Day

Instead of trying to fit exercise into your already packed schedule, create a "Power Hour" where you combine movement with something you already do daily. Walk while taking phone calls, do squats during TV ad breaks, or stretch while listening to podcasts.

This approach makes movement feel effortless rather than like another task on your to-do list. The beauty of the Power Hour is that it works with your existing habits rather than against them. You're not adding more time to your day – you're making the time you already spend more beneficial for your health.

Research shows that even small amounts of movement throughout the day can boost energy, improve mood, and enhance focus.

Try this today: Pick one daily activity (watching TV, listening to music, or having a coffee) and add 5 minutes of gentle movement to it.

😊 Fun, Quirky, Interesting

The other side of Health and Life

🏋️‍♀️ The 10 Most Embarrassing Fitness Gimmicks Ever

From the Shake Weight to the Hawaii Chair (yes, that's a real thing), this hilarious roundup of fitness fads will make you grateful for simple dumbbells. Some of these "revolutionary" exercise gadgets are so bizarre, you'll wonder how they ever made it to market.

Link: Muscle & Fitness

🎭 Dr Sara Breaks Down 2025's Weirdest Wellness Trends

A doctor's hilarious and informative take on the strangest health trends taking over social media this year. From the ridiculous to the potentially dangerous, she explains what's worth trying and what you should definitely skip.

Link: YouTube

 💪 Incredible Weight-Loss Transformations That Inspire

Read the real stories of everyday people who transformed their lives through small, sustainable changes. These aren't extreme makeovers – they're proof that consistent effort and self-compassion can lead to remarkable results. Each story shows that it's never too late to start.

Link: People

🐕 Adorable Bulldog Becomes the Perfect Gym Buddy

Watch this absolutely precious bulldog who has appointed himself as his human's personal trainer. From providing moral support during planks to demanding belly rubs between sets, this little guy proves that the best workout partners have four legs and endless enthusiasm.

Link: Youtube