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We need healthier newsagents

It can be tough staying healthy while running a business, especially in these days of lean overheads. Eating on the run and lack of exercise can damage our bodies and impact negatively on our businesses.

I struggle with my weight and have been able to stabilise this by walking at least 8km a day. I got a Fitbit in January 2013 and this changed how I get exercise. It measures steps, stairs and distance. As long as I do 10,000 steps a day I know I’m doing okay even if I make some (necessary) poor food choices.

While I understand some reading this wills they don;t have time to walk for an hour a day, I’d disagree. For your health you can make the time. I do. I walk in time slices. Usually for 30 minutes at lunchtime and for 40 minutes at the end of the day making business calls.

I find that a daily walking target works better for me than exercise a few times a week. That said, I know of newsagents who exercise in the back room, play golf three or four times a week, are un a running group and swim in a group activity.

Health experts say daily exercise is vital for your mental health – so the benefits go beyond physical health. Here is another reason we need to take care of ourselves.

I am writing about this today to encourage newsagents to talk about how they exercise to encourage others.

If you are a Fitbit user and want to connect and taunt me click here for my profile.

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  1. Steve Sharman

    Totally agree Mark – I had a wake up call from my doctor 3 years ago since then I have joined a gym close to the business which I usually visit 4 – 5 times a week. It has showers / changing rooms so I can go & return to work any time of the day. I have lost 20 kilos in 3 years & feel 10 years younger, also I sure it has helped my work ethic feeling more positive..

    6 likes

  2. allan wickham

    Eating on the run can be a problem….my breakfast at work has consisted of a Chiko Roll and a can of Coke for years….I am trying to change this.
    I`ve also joined a gym, never in my wildest dreams would I have said I would ever join one but I am actually enjoying it. I just need to be more committed to going on a regular basis. On the days I do go I find I sleep much better and considering I havent really had a good nights sleep for over 12 months thats a great thing…….now where did I put that Chiko Roll….?

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  3. Carol

    I have bouts of getting fit and walking and then something gets in the way. Most recently I have had to reduce staff so now I am doing another persons job. My one game of golf a week keeps me in touch with my waist line. When I find it difficult to bend and get the ball out of the cup its time to get moving again. However I am a yo-yo. Weight up, weight down. When my dog died I had no real reason to walk daily. A heart attack years ago is sill not enough to get me motivated.

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  4. Stacey

    Funny you mention this. I’ve recently joined a group PT class and has been brilliant. I’ve never liked gyms as don’t really know how to use the equipment and don’t really want to learn. With the group class there’s usually 11-12 people and I get the 1 on 1 I need. Since I started I feel 100% better. Had started to feel down with the monotony of work/life and this has picked me back up. I’m far more productive at work on the days I go and whilst I thought I’d be tired from getting up so early I not.

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  5. Carol

    Remote newsagents don’t have these group, gyms etc. I think I need a tread mill at the bench that I do the mag returns at. I would spend enough time on it to be super fit. I feel like I’m on one going no where with mags most of the time anyway.

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  6. Mark Fletcher

    Carol, if you have proof of being oversupplied you could lodge a claim with QCAT for under $300. The key is evidence of oversupply and the cost of this to your business. http://www.qcat.qld.gov.au

    1 likes

  7. Carol

    Mark I have got Gotch pretty much under control because we can change supply from the POS but Network is a different matter.

    0 likes

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