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Why do people go for 'walks'?

But in fairness, a lot of us do like working out.

DO YOU GET out for walks regularly, or do much sport?

According to the latest CSO figures, 73% of us are physically active, meaning that over a quarter of us aren’t.

cso sport

You can read the full release here, but these are the biggest findings from the survey.

The data comes from the Quarterly National Household Survey, from April to June 2013.

cso crecreation

The 73% is made up of 37.8% who are engaged in sport and 34.7% who don’t do sport but do walk for recreational purposes.

People who don’t participate in physical activity, sport, or walking say that lack of time (nearly 35%) is the main reason why.

  • About 29% said that the main reason is ‘illness, injury or disability‘.
  • Nearly one fifth (18.8%) stated that the main reason is ‘lack of motivation‘.

Aerobics/keep fit/the gym was the most popular physical activity, particularly for women. The second most popular was swimming, followed by cycling.

Why do people stay active? Eight out of 10 said it is to improve physical health and fitness.

Here’s why people walk:

cso walking

Here’s where they walk:

cso walking 2

Again, lack of time was the main reason people gave for not walking.

As for sport, nearly four in 10 people participate in sport or another physical activity (excluding walking).

cso physical activity

Over 10% of people take part in sport or physical activity, besides walking, three to four times a week for over one hour at hard effort, while 14% participate in sport three to four times a week for 30-60 mins a session, at moderate to hard effort.

Most people exercise on their own initiative. Nearly four in 10 people aren’t a member of a sports or fitness club.

cso sports influences

Read: Let’s get physical – it will get you mentally fit this year too>

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62 Comments
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    Mute ThE DucKz NuTz
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:33 PM

    The only exercise some Irish people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, side stepping responsibility and pushing their luck….

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    Mute Dermot Lane
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:50 PM

    You forgot to say taking the pee and stirring the shit€

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    Mute ThE DucKz NuTz
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    Feb 16th 2015, 3:02 PM

    Duck cant pee

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    Mute Norman Hunter
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:42 PM

    3 Stone overweight decided in June 2013 to address it.
    First marathon April 2014.11 done to date,1st Ultra coming up in April.
    Couch potato and healthy are not compatible, just get up and exercise.
    Btw age is no barrier,my first marathon I was 42.

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    Mute Emma's Wooden House
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:47 PM

    I would say marathons and ultras are also bad for your health.

    Moderation seems to be unachievable for most but those who do and go for a brisk walk which is not damaging your skeleton will reap the rewards.

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    Mute Norman Hunter
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:50 PM

    Emma you’d be wrong so,plenty of research out there.
    By our nature we are designed to run.

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    Mute Emma's Wooden House
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:52 PM

    Not on concrete for 26 miles with a modern human frame.

    Excess is where most people end up. Runners look unhealthy. There is an optimum amount of exercise that humans should get…. that is healthy for the heart.

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    Mute Norman Hunter
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:56 PM

    Who mentioned concrete?
    Runners look unhealthy?
    Better not watch any athletic events so if that’s your opinion.

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    Mute Emma's Wooden House
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:57 PM

    I forgot marathons are usually held on 26 mile sponges.

    Elite runners have a horrid appearance.

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    Mute Norman Hunter
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    Feb 16th 2015, 3:00 PM

    Emma no need to be a smart a**, you ever hear of Trail marathons?
    So obese is a better look?

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    Mute William Grogan
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    Feb 16th 2015, 4:46 PM

    Emma is correct marathons are not good for you.

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    Mute mary carey
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    Feb 16th 2015, 5:01 PM

    I’m a keen exerciser, but I agree with Emma on this. Moderation is the problem with this country. I’m sure uv a lot to be proud of for your efforts Norman. But ultra’s are ridiculous. And regularly marathoning is also a bit nuts.
    This is coming from a girl who’s shins are hammered from shin splints. ITB ruined on both legs. Quads, hams, tired and run into the ground. Most elite female athletes maintain an abnormally low bodyfat percentage and struggle with ammenhorrea. Not to mention compulsions to run thru injury & illness.

    It’s well known that runners are a compulsive sort!!
    Move more, and move more more often. Don’t need any ultras. Save ur hips n knees.

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    Mute David HIggins
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    Feb 16th 2015, 5:12 PM

    anyone with evidence want to make a point?

    running doesn’t ruin your knees – being 5 stone overweight does
    http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/why-runners-dont-get-knee-arthritis/

    the only bad thing about some people choosing to do marathons or ultra sport is that is puts some people off – they think that you need to buy a load of lycra and spend hours every day – when in reality 10 minutes of intense exercise would give pretty similar benefits.
    http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/30/running-just-5-minutes-a-day-has-long-lasting-benefits/

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    Mute Norman Hunter
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    Feb 16th 2015, 5:29 PM

    David no place for facts, better to go with the attitude “I can’t do it, so no one should.”

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    Mute Norman Hunter
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    Feb 16th 2015, 5:33 PM

    Mary no offense, but everyone’s abilities are different it’s just knowing what they are.Mine now exceed marathon distance.The human body is incredible when pushed, it’s the mind that holds us back.

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    Mute Alan R
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    Feb 16th 2015, 6:42 PM

    Sorry, but a brisk walk is nowhere near enough to get anyone close to a level of fitness that most people should be aspiring to. Better than nothing, for sure, – it all helps, but still not great. Brisk walk = maybe burning off a couple of hundred calories, – maybe a a few biccies if you’re lucky.
    If you’re worried about your knees get on a bike, there are plenty of alternatives if it bothers you that mich.

    You need to be getting your heart rate up properly and breaking a decent sweat to get real benefits.

    And I can assure you, your average marathon runner is usually at a level of health that is orders of magnitude above that than someone who goes out for a brisk walk a few days a week.

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    Mute Rotarua
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    Feb 16th 2015, 7:40 PM

    True Alan 5km walk will burn off around 300 calories at a moderate pace, you need to be jogging to make any real difference to weight.
    What a walk does is get you out in fresh air and better with a friend so ye can talk makes you more positive.
    It’s a big start for most and shouldn’t be dismissed, either should running and a good 10k or half marathon is probably enough for most of us to aspire to.

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    Mute Cornelius Talmadge
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    Feb 16th 2015, 8:44 PM

    A study was published 2 weeks ago in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, which found that running too much is just as bad for you as being completely inactive: http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-running-health-20150202-story.html

    Regarding walking, the thing about it is – literally anyone can do it, and it can be done several times a day every day – on the way to work, at lunchtime, on the way home, in the evening after dinner etc. Very few people are willing or able to go jogging or go to the gym that frequently. Even seriously unfit people can easily burn close to 1,000 calories a day by going for a few 20-30 minute walks. Personally, I try to walk at least 5km per day, but I also go to the gym 3 times per week. I’ve lost loads of weight doing that, without having to make extreme changes to my diet or lifestyle. Previously, when I was going to the gym but not walking much, I didn’t make much progress wrt weight loss. Each to their own though.

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    Mute Cornelius Talmadge
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    Feb 16th 2015, 8:46 PM

    Before anyone jumps down my throat – I should not have said “literally anyone” can walk. Clearly there are exceptions, but what I said is true for most people.

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    Mute Padraig Fitzpatrick
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    Feb 16th 2015, 9:22 PM

    anyone can run too! (with a few exceptions)

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    Mute Cornelius Talmadge
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    Feb 16th 2015, 9:47 PM

    Not really true Padraig. For example, I had to stop running due to shin splints, while people with osteoarthritis of the knee should not run (and *a lot* of unfit, overweight, middle aged people have OA).

    Furthermore, you pretty much have to have a shower and get changed after a run. That means a 30 minute run requires at least 40 spare minutes, and if you don’t have showers at work, it’s not an option to run to work or run at lunchtime.

    You don’t generally need a shower or change of clothes after a walk, so for a lot of people, it’s much easier to incorporate walking than running into their normal daily routine.

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    Mute David HIggins
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    Feb 16th 2015, 10:13 PM

    Cornelius – that study was not that useful – in the “lots of exercise group” – only 2 people died. They don’t know what they died of – so it could have been a car crash, or cancer, or anything – and could have easily been 1, or 0, or 3. The numbers are too small to make any recommendations.
    It’s explained in a much better way here – http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0512ln0

    It’s much better to be fit and overweight (with a few walks), then just be overweight – so any exercise can help

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    Mute Cornelius Talmadge
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    Feb 16th 2015, 10:38 PM

    David – I absolutely agree it’s better to be active and overweight than inactive and overweight. In fact, a recently published very large study (sorry can’t find link now) even found that it’s better to be active and overweight than inactive and *of normal weight*.

    The issue about “extreme” running is very different though. We’re talking about people running long distances regularly. It’s incorrect to suggest that this study was too small to be meaningful. It followed over 5,000 people for 13 years. There was a pretty clear “u shaped” curve that showed clear benefits of light-moderate jogging, but those benefits significantly dropped away in the people undertaking strenuous jogging. Of course it doesn’t prove that strenuous jogging is literally as bad being completely inactive, but it’s pretty clear that strenuous jogging is a lot less good for you than light jogging. The point I’m making is simply that extremes are not good – regular, light to moderate exercise is what most people should aim for.

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    Mute Drew
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    Feb 17th 2015, 10:05 AM

    Cornelius… Have you tried calf compressions sleeves… I have a bunch from 2XU

    Used to get terrible shin splints running in low temperatures or carrying over 100kg of body weight for rugby. Be sure to wear them for at least an hour after you finish exercising. And ice your shins too.

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    Mute Rebekah Corbett
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    Feb 16th 2015, 5:04 PM

    Best motivation ever – get a dog. Hail, rain or shine my pair have me out walking every day at a brisk pace for at least an hour

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    Mute Padraig Fitzpatrick
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    Feb 16th 2015, 9:12 PM

    good idea in theory but your left with a bloody dog

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    Mute up down
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:48 PM

    A good 15 min run every morning will keep anyone ticking over. Stop half way and do a few press ups. Won’t get you to Rio for 2016 but will keep you in some sort of shape!

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    Mute John Smith
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    Feb 16th 2015, 3:00 PM

    I sometimes go for a run in the morning, it can be tough getting up a few mins earlier, especially in the dark mornings but it really does wake you up and make you feel good for the rest of the day.

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    Mute dj dangermouse
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:25 PM

    Try using the stairs instead of a lift is a start .I’ve regularly seen people get a lift up one level in a carpark and then waddle towards their car.

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    Mute David HIggins
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    Feb 16th 2015, 5:08 PM

    while eating a doughnut

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    Mute dj dangermouse
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    Feb 16th 2015, 6:07 PM

    And the car won’t start because of the weight.

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    Mute Gary Gary
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:33 PM

    76.4 % of statistics are made up on the spot.

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    Mute Niall C
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    Feb 16th 2015, 3:38 PM

    Sure 92% of people know that

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    Mute tk0CXKzL
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:31 PM

    i call BS. Half an hour a day of intense trainig would make a world of difference. people are just making excuses!

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    Mute John Smith
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:57 PM

    Yep, I find it hard to believe that 25% of people have no time for exercise yet they can list off how many seasons or box sets they have watched in the last month. It’s not that they haven’t got time, its that they don’t want to or don’t make time.

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    Mute Dermot Lane
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    Feb 16th 2015, 4:54 PM

    Yeah, at least the people who said lack of motivation were honest

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    Mute Tanya Murphy
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    Feb 17th 2015, 1:20 AM

    I agree with you ericm, i started watching what i eat and exercise about 45 mins per day about 5 times a week, i used to never exercise and hated it ( no motivation) , now i love it and in nearly 4 stone lighter and alot healthier

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    Mute shane carr
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:20 PM

    Bull… People are just lazy

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    Mute Joanna
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:52 PM

    Uh huh, that would be the “lack of motivation” statistic there.

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    Mute Edward Smith
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:22 PM

    Funny that. They find the time after a health scare. Priorities!

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    Mute Joanna
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    Feb 16th 2015, 3:03 PM

    I can imagine someone who spends most of their week on long commutes would have difficulty finding time to workout. Certain lifestyles just don’t accommodate for free time.

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    Mute RonanM
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:22 PM

    Look how lazy those Females are…

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    Mute Jimmy Jim-Jim
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:39 PM

    Drop sets and interval training are ideal for anybody struggling to find the time.

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    Mute Gavin
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    Feb 16th 2015, 4:00 PM

    If you want to do it you will find time to do it and if you don’t want to do it you will find a excuse not to.

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    Mute Marie Uí Chearbhaill
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    Feb 16th 2015, 8:43 PM

    Its not always a question of ‘making time’ as some suggest…..pointing out that they go for a run at 9pm or whatever. For example if someone has small children and is either a single parent or their partner works shift/away from home/late hours then you cant just leave children asleep alone while u go for a walk. And if u work yourself your first priority on returning home is getting dinner. I was very active before having my first child but this has fallen by the wayside.

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    Mute Unfortunately
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    Feb 17th 2015, 8:41 AM

    If you have child and cannot get out then put mat in living room and do in house exercise. Can be as effective as any outdoor / gym training. Simple !

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    Mute Ken Pepper
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    Feb 16th 2015, 2:23 PM

    Lazy feckers

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    Mute Drew
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    Feb 16th 2015, 3:32 PM

    Weight lift every day, swim 2-3 times a week, play rugby twice a week, hike on the weekends and ski 2-3weeks a year.

    I couldn’t imagine a sedentary life with little or no physical activity

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    Mute Thomas Newell
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    Feb 16th 2015, 4:53 PM

    Don’t forget sucking up to the government and bashing protesters on here thats gotta take up a good part of your time as well

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    Mute Tom Durkan
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    Feb 16th 2015, 5:11 PM

    The thing is, you have the time to do that Drew, others don’t. Up at 6, drop kids to minder, 1hr 30 commute, office from 8 to 4, commute home. Dinner ready for 6.30, eat, kids ready for bed then it could be 9pm. Im 6ft and 14st but I can feel myself becoming more and more ‘sluggish’. It’s a real problem for a lot of office workers I reckon.

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    Mute David HIggins
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    Feb 16th 2015, 5:17 PM

    exactly Tom – the environment we have created makes us fat. In an ideal world you could cycle 30 minutes to work – using the commute time for your benefit. Sounds like you don’t have that option.

    We have to make it possible for people to fit 15-20 minutes every day – whether it’s going for a brisk walk at lunchtime, with showers at work etc.

    in the long run it will be cheaper as the costs of diabetes etc will be huge

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    Mute Tom Durkan
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    Feb 16th 2015, 5:23 PM

    Spot on, clonard to city centre, 60km not an option. Always thought it would be nice to drive as far as the outskirts of the city then cycle in… No facilities tho either to park or as u mention to shower at work. Walking at lunch does get me a bit of exercise and to and from the bus is about 3km per day. Without that I’d be banjo’d totally.

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    Mute Barry Scott
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    Feb 16th 2015, 6:45 PM

    Go for a run at lunch time and eat at your desk.

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    Mute Barry Scott
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    Feb 16th 2015, 6:47 PM

    Sorry, just saw your comment saying you have no shower facilities at work. Don’t run at lunch so.

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    Mute Unfortunately
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    Feb 16th 2015, 7:14 PM

    Its all about time management and right mindset. Excuses are not acceptable. Have busy work and home with 2 small children. I leave house after 6 in the morning and I am back after 6 in evening as well. Then I help with dinner, children bath etc. My first “breath” is about 8 pm. About 9 pm I do bit of body weight exercise (jumping, push ups, sit-ups, squats) and running, 3 sometimes 4 times a week. Despite being more busy than ever before I actually do this training after – where before I was too tired or….too lazy most likely. All it takes is 30 minutes. You won’t be best around with that, but I can guarantee you will be better and better version of yourself every day.

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    Mute Padraig Fitzpatrick
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    Feb 16th 2015, 9:26 PM

    Nothing stopping anyone going for a run after 9:00pm (unless you live in the country obviously). I do regularly.

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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Feb 16th 2015, 6:35 PM

    It clears the mind and allows people to make sense of things?

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    Mute ohaimhirghin
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    Feb 16th 2015, 3:34 PM

    BS of a headline. Should say won’t make time. Question of priorities

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    Mute Paul Dunne
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    Feb 16th 2015, 7:46 PM

    6 k walk in 1 hour 4 or 5 times a week keeps you right

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    Mute Robert O'Connell
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    Feb 16th 2015, 5:10 PM

    Why don’t you title it over 70% of us are active?

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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Feb 16th 2015, 6:36 PM

    It gets them from one place to another??? lol.

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    Mute Padraig Fitzpatrick
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    Feb 16th 2015, 9:14 PM

    73% physically active! That’s nonsense

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